Completely separate from the work I'm doing, I just wanted to draw attention to this report recently released by Human Rights Watch: "Treat Us Like Human Beings." It was found that " fear of abuse is driving sex workers, people who use drugs, and
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people away
from prevention and treatment services." The report is worth reading, but there is also a 4 minute video you should watch.
Basically it's impossible to reach those in HIV risk groups when they are driven underground by harsh criminal laws. Consensual “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” is punishable in mainland Tanzania by a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison, while “gross indecency” between males is punishable by five years in prison (Tanzania Penal Code, art. 157).
I can't help but think of David Cameron's threat to withdraw aid from countries with poor records on gay rights. The United States government donated $480 million last year to Tanzania, to help people who desperately need it. But I think intertwined, there is some opportunity, or perhaps responsibility, to defend basic human rights. I wonder if President Obama will touch on these issues at all during his visit here.
Basically it's impossible to reach those in HIV risk groups when they are driven underground by harsh criminal laws. Consensual “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” is punishable in mainland Tanzania by a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison, while “gross indecency” between males is punishable by five years in prison (Tanzania Penal Code, art. 157).
I can't help but think of David Cameron's threat to withdraw aid from countries with poor records on gay rights. The United States government donated $480 million last year to Tanzania, to help people who desperately need it. But I think intertwined, there is some opportunity, or perhaps responsibility, to defend basic human rights. I wonder if President Obama will touch on these issues at all during his visit here.
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Thanks to all who are read this. If you have any questions for me or things that would be more interesting to read about, I'd appreciate feedback!