HIV - Related Stigma And Discrimination

The legal definition of HIV or AIDS relateddeliberate or not, the fact is that discrimination on the
discrimination according to UNAIDS is 'the unfair andbasis of a person's HIV status is not acceptable by
unjust treatment of an individual based on his or herlaw and is a direct violation of human rights.
real or perceived HIV status".Certain governments (like the California Government)
For people diagnosed as HIV-positive, no area ofmake certain special provisions under the law for
their life remains untouched by the stigma associatedsupporting individuals detected with HIV. Under these
with this disease. Whether it is education, housing,legal provisions, the employer is required to provide
employment, insurance or medical service providers,reasonable accommodation near the work place to
HIV positive people are discriminated by almostan HIV positive individual along with certain
everyone.modifications in the nature of the job or the
Discrimination is said to have occurred when a personresponsibilities associated with it. An adjustment in
diagnosed as HIV positive is not treated in the samework timings, meeting schedules, medical leaves,
manner as a person diagnosed as HIV negative in anbecomes necessary to accommodate the individual
analogous situation either at the work place, hospital,and support him. These reasonable adjustments can
religious places, social gatherings or rather any otherbe made as long as the individual is productive and
place. Discrimination is the aftermath of a stigma anddoes not pose a burden to the employer.
may or may not be intentional. Whether it is