Archives: Media Releases

Message from the Director of PANCAP on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2018

The observance of International Women’s Day is more significant than ever in 2018.  From well-organized marches to workshops and events in our region, women continue to make their fight for equality in health, economics, politics among others a very relevant part of our daily discussions.  While progress has been made since the days of the suffragettes, there is still work to be done.

I endorse the 2018 theme “press for progress” as the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report findings revealed that gender parity is over 200 years away.  This makes it even more critical for women and men to sincerely support advocating for equal pay and especially more access to health and sexual reproductive services.  There has never been a more important time to keep motivated and find ways of removing barriers to fast-tracking equal access for women.

In 2014, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on Caribbean countries to guarantee all women access to essential health services and interventions.  Have we heeded this call?  Are we adequately vigilant that our women and girls are receiving equal access to health care services?  These are questions that we should be constantly examining, not just on International Women’s Day, but at every opportunity possible in recognition that women and girls have invaluable contributions to make to our society.

The right to health for women and girls forms a fundamental aspect of the PANCAP Justice for All Roadmap, as we believe that no society can truly progress without equal access to health services by all.  This concept is also at the heart of PANCAP’s Vision: An AIDS-Free Caribbean. Indeed, fast-tracking the 90-90-90 goals[1] cannot be achieved without adequate focus on ensuring women and girls have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services.

I reflect on the launch of the “Spouses of Caribbean Leaders Action Network (SCLAN)” in September 2017 to tackle issues related to the health and well-being of women, adolescents and children in the Caribbean. This advocacy and action platform is advancing the ‘Caribbean Woman Caribbean Child’ (CariWaC) initiative in its championing of four major pillars:  reducing gender-based violence, reducing adolescent pregnancy, eliminating cervical cancer and eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

By championing CariWaC’s four pillars, the Spouses of Caribbean Leaders have signaled their commitment to press for progress. We must support SCLAN to enable women and girls to have access to life-saving services, including HIV prevention and care, thereby achieving their potential.

I salute women, girls, and men across our region and the world, who have committed to “press for progress”. 

 Editor’s notes:

 What is PANCAP?

PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners which was established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilises resources and build capacity of partners.

What is International Women’s Day (IWD)?

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first March 8 IWD gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom’s Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2018 is #PressforProgress

Follow updates using #IWD2018 and #PressforProgress

[1] What are the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 Targets?

  • By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
  • By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
  • By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression

HIV education for persons with disabilities highlighted at CRN+ HIV Environmental Scan Dissemination Meeting

The Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+), successfully completed a HIV Environmental Scan Dissemination Meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname on the 20th February. Participants included representatives from the “Double Positive Foundation”, HE+HIV Foundation, National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health, Civil Society Organizations and CCM. The meeting was facilitated by Mr. Jason Shepherd, Senior Programme Officer, CRN+.

Pivotal to the discussion were calls from participants with disabilities on ways in which HIV prevention and care services can be designed to include them. These included creating HIV education materials with the use of Braille, the tactile writing and sign language systems used by people who are visually impaired. Other ideas included the use of a picture board or touch screen that uses pictures or symbols to communicate methods of HIV prevention and care.

CRN+ Interim Chair, Mr. Winfield Tannis-Abbot commended the involvement of persons with disabilities and stated that it was crucial for CSOs and National AIDS Programmes to provide HIV prevention and care services in a manner that is suited for this audience. “There is no excuse for the lack of access to knowledge on prevention and health care services”, stated the Interim Chair, “more innovation is needed to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in our HIV prevention and care efforts”.

“Along with innovation, there needs to be a willingness from all parties to fully involve persons with disabilities in HIV prevention,” stated the CRN+ Senior Programme Officer.

The meeting formed part of a series of activities by CRN+ which included similar dissemination meetings and capacity building activities for CRN+ networks and CSOs in Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica in January and February 2018.

NAC (Belize) engages Civil Society Organizations in 1-day Capacity Building Session

Image: Dr. Minerva Pinelo, Communications Specialist, facilitator of the capacity building training for CSOs in Belize  

The National AIDS Commission (NAC) Belize engaged Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in a one-day capacity building and development session intended to promote and improve the quality of key CSO participation while enhancing and operationalizing each organization’s program profile. The session was held at the University of the West Indies Conference Room in January.

The one-day session focused on enhancing the country’s multi-sector approach to the HIV epidemic, and developing the CSO’s ability to create targeted, program-centric impact in achieving the 90-90-90 Goals (by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression).

The sessions built the capacity of each organization to recognize and assess their relevance and role within the national response to HIV and how that translates into positive targeted action that will create change. Participants were asked to assess themselves based on their mandates, visions, and missions as well as identify their specific target audience in relation to the national agenda and goals. This fostered inter-agency collaboration within the CSO community of Belize and allowed each organization to identify their specific niche within the national response to HIV.

The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Minerva Pinelo, Communications Specialist and coordinated by the NAC Secretariat.  The NAC will continue to assist CSOs in their individual and collective work with the overarching aim of elevating the national HIV response.

LIVE UP remembers Kent Jordan, Technical Director

Dr. Allyson Leacock, Executive Director, LIVE UP: The Caribbean Media Alliance spoke with the editor of the PANCAP Newsletter about the amazing career of Kent Jordan, Technical Director of LIVE UP.  Kent sadly passed away on January 28 but he is fondly remembered by his colleague and friend.  Dr. Leacock’s reflections on this veteran of the HIV response is below:

“Lights, camera, action! Tape rolling… Kent lived for that moment…..that was Kent Jordan.

My words seem woefully inadequate. Kent has been my colleague and friend, since my early days in broadcasting until the morning of January 28.  We were colleagues for four decades. Throughout that time, he remained the same authentic human being, with impeccable character and integrity.

From our days at “Barbados Rediffusion” that morphed into “Voice of Barbados 790AM” (VOB), to the “Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)”, when as General Manager, I asked him if he would join my team.  We also worked closely at the “Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership (CBMP)” and remained colleagues at “LIVE UP: The Caribbean Media Alliance”. During this time, Kent remained the same astute, committed, compassionate professional, who knew far more than most.

Talking to Kent was like watching the “Discovery Channel” (where some of his work was shown), “National Geographic” and Sci-fi channels all in one. He was a walking encyclopedia, sharing minutiae and explaining how everything worked, especially equipment and why it worked that way. His work for Caribbean tourism with his “Holiday Channel” and his work for the “United Nations Environment Programme” on climate change are testimony to his yeoman’s service, not only to Barbados but also to the Caribbean.

Unassuming and amiable, he could work with anyone from the most arrogant to the most ignorant, demonstrating a rare and admirable ability to move past ego and achieve efficiency never taking his eye off the goal. He remained in the background but was the wind beneath many wings.

There are so many outstanding highlights of his phenomenal work on projects in partnership with others, that it’s hard to choose, but for CBMP and LIVE UP some standouts are his herculean efforts producing and directing:

1. CBMP Annual Executive Meetings in Cuba, Belize, Jamaica, Curacao, and Antigua
2. LIVE UP: The Show Series for 8 years
3. Anti-stigma Messages – St. Lucia, British Virgin Islands and Jamaica, and his voice will live on in all of our Live up Public Service Announcements (PSAs).
4. Producing and directing the CBMP 5TH Anniversary Media Leaders’ Summit with over 100 Caribbean media executives
5. International AIDS Conferences in Vienna, Mexico, and Washington—when he ensured every journalist filmed, edited and filed their stories back to the Caribbean every day.
6. PANCAP@10 IN ST.MAARTEN, where Kent and the Dream Team played a critical role in the technical logistics of this milestone event! And finally,
7. Regional Testing Day – RU+UR-?… (Are you positive you are negative?) that catchy jingle and the concept for its filming in the Frank Collymore Hall was entirely Kent’s and it became a hit that had to be used over and over for four years. Kent toiled in customizing and distributing those PSAs for 21 countries every year. Last year was the swansong and grand finale at its 10th anniversary and I’m so happy he was able to be part of it, recording the 33 citations for the awards ceremony and directing the televised broadcast across the region.

Kent Jordan is nothing short of exceptional. In all the decades I’ve known Kent, I’ve never heard him complain. Kent has been our rock through thick and thin despite his health challenges, he has always selflessly given us 100 percent of his expertise, so dedicated was he to his craft and to LIVE UP.

The impressive body of work created by Kent is the embodiment of passion and professionalism. We honour Kent for his gentle spirit and unmatched loyalty and support of LIVE UP to his death.

On behalf of the Chairman and the Board, we thank his family for your gracious gesture of support and send you love and light.

“Kentus”, I miss you already.

Well done! You were good and faithful to the end. You were the personification of LIVE UP: we shall love, protect, and respect you always and forever.

And that’s a wrap!”

Are you attending? 2018 International Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Summit

The collective power of people to transform the social and political structures that govern their lives 
is the true heart of development. Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) engages and supports people to shift norms, change behaviors, and amplify the voices needed to address the persistent development challenges the world faces today: extreme poverty, gender inequities, public health emergencies, acute and chronic diseases, climate change, and democracy and governance among others.

The 2018 International Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Summit featuring Entertainment Education is organized to better understand what works in shifting social norms, changing behaviors and in amplifying the voice of those who have most at stake in the success of development efforts. It is designed to wrestle with the profound issues of social justice and agenda setting that affect these decisions. Who decides, for example, what behaviors need changing or which norms should be shifted? How can people’s realities and voices be put at the center of such change? How much emphasis should be placed on shifting norms and behaviors when power structures, policy environments or lack of services may constitute problems that overwhelm the capacity of individuals or communities to act?

Where And When Will The Summit Be Held?
Nusa Dua, Indonesia from April 16-20, 2018

Who Should Participate?
The Summit is open to a wide range of participation from government, regional entities, academics, NGOs, CSOs, global agencies and the private sector working on development and health issues.

Who Is Organizing The Summit?
The 2018 SBCC Summit will be hosted by a consortium of international and local partners including the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, The Communication Initiative, Soul City Institute, UNICEF and BBC Media Action.

Questions and answers regarding the Advisory Opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on Gender Identity, Equality and Non-Discrimination of Same-Sex Couples, requested By the Republic of Costa Rica.

Panama City, February 2018 – UNAIDS welcomes the historic Advisory Opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IHR Court), which interprets the American Convention on Human Rights to analyze aspects related to gender identity, gender equality and non-discrimination for same-sex couples. The IHR Court issued this Advisory Opinion following a request from the Government of Costa Rica, for which all signatory countries to the American Convention on Human Rights are bound.

In its decision, the Court reiterated its consistently held view that sexual orientation and gender identity are categories protected by the American Convention, in which all States “must recognize and guarantee all the rights that are derived from a family bond between people of the same sex”, including marriage. It requires governments to “guarantee access to all existing forms of legal domestic systems, including the right to marriage, to ensure the protection of all the rights of families formed by same-sex couples without discrimination”. The IHR Court also ruled that transgender people have the right to change their name in their identification documents in accordance with their self-perceived gender identification.

UNAIDS considers that the implementation of this decision will provide definitive support for HIV prevention, treatment and care enabling countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to make progress towards the zero discrimination target while leaving no one behind in the framework of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

This document’s objective is to facilitate the reading of the Advisory Opinion by detailing the answers to frequently asked questions and providing guidance on possible follow-up actions for civil society and communities.

What is the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IHR Court)?

It is a judicial body of the Organization of American States (OAS), and is autonomous from other bodies within the same organization. The headquarters of the IHR Court are in San José, Costa Rica, and its objective is to apply and interpret the American Convention on Human Rights and other human rights treaties over which the Court has jurisdiction. This is achieved through the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights.

What is the American Convention on Human Rights (the Convention)?

In November 1969, the Inter-American Specialized Conference on Human Rights was held in San José, Costa Rica, at which, delegates from Member States of the Organization of American States wrote the Convention, which came into effect on July 18, 1978. Currently, 23 nations are signatories to the Convention: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Suriname and Uruguay.

What is the jurisdiction of the Advisory Opinions issued by the IHR Court?

Member States of the OAS may consult the Court about the interpretation of the American Convention on Human Rights or other human rights instruments ratified by the American States. This is what Costa Rica did by consulting the IHR Court about the scope of the Advisory Opinion issued on the rights of people in same-sex relationships in terms of marriage and transgender people and their gender identity. This regional ruling, which is binding through Advisory Opinion OC-24/17, was issued on November 24, 2017.

What is the scope of a binding Advisory Opinion issued by the IHR Court?

When a State is signatory to an international treaty, such as the Convention, all of its bodies, including judicial and legislative powers, are bound to this treaty. Under this obligation, States must in good faith facilitate the necessary legislative, administrative and judicial reforms to adjust their internal regulations and practices to the progressive interpretation of the Convention. However, the IHR Court ruled that it is necessary that States find a way to overcome institutional and political difficulties to adjust their legislation to the new Advisory Opinion. These reforms are the result of legal developments, either judicial or legislative that cover other geographic zones in the continent and are understood as a progressive interpretation of the Convention.

Based on this decision by the IHR Court, can transgender people who live in countries that have ratified the American Convention legally change their name in line with their self-perceived gender?

The IHR Court ruled that changing one’s name, modifying one’s appearance, and correcting the sex category in registration and identification documents to reflect an individual’s self-perceived sex are human rights protected by the American Convention. As a result, States are obliged to recognize, regulate and establish the necessary procedures to guarantee these rights.

Based on the Advisory Opinion issued by the IHR Court, will people of the same sex be able to marry?

The IHR Court ruled that a family bond involving a same-sex relationship is protected by the Convention. Subsequently, it recognized that all property rights that arise from same-sex couple’s family relationships must be protected in the same manner as the property rights of heterosexual couples. Creating new legal entities is not necessary in order to guarantee same-sex couples’ rights, and thus the Court opted to extend existing institutions and rights to same-sex couples, including marriage, according to the pro persona principle.

What impact could the application of this advisory opinion have on the HIV response and for transgender people?

In its Advisory Opinion, the Court stated that “the recognition of gender identity by the State is of vital importance to guarantee the full enjoyment of human rights by transgender people”. This includes, among other rights, protection against all forms of violence, torture and mistreatment, as well as the guaranteeing the rights to health, education, employment, housing, and access to social security, including the right to free expression and association. The full enjoyment of rights by transgender people positively impacts their access to essential prevention, treatment, care and support services related to HIV. Experience has demonstrated that access to services and HIV prevention increase when these are provided in safe environments that are free of stigma and discrimination. Transgender people who can fully enjoy their human rights have greater opportunities to participate and freely use these services, just like any other citizen.

What impact could the application of this Advisory Opinion have on HIV prevention, treatment, and care for people who have been excluded and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and haven’t enjoyed legal recognition of same-sex relationships?
With the recognition of same-sex couples, the Court has continued its effort to reduce stigma and discrimination against people due to their sexual orientation, which will contribute to a more inclusive society, enabling people who identify as gay, bisexual and lesbian to access healthcare services, including those related to HIV prevention, treatment and care, in a free and safe environment and on an equal basis.

What concrete actions must be carried out to implement the Advisory Opinion at a country level?

We suggest developing a political advocacy plan in a participatory manner by encouraging more diverse participation from civil society that facilitates social and community mobilization and influences decision-making regarding the implementation of the Advisory Opinion. Related activities include:

Analysis and adaptation of the Advisory Opinion to the national legal framework.

Developing a suitable intervention plan for existing bodies and mechanisms in the country, in accordance with the Convention.
Devising a communication plan that includes press releases, interviews, and collecting opinions from experts and human rights defenders.
Carrying out a follow-up and monitoring plan.

‘Justice for Our Girls’ March to take aim at inequality and violence

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The “Justice for Our Girls” March, scheduled for 10 March, will focus on the fight against gender inequality and gender-based violence.

The activity is being organised by the Student Society Against Human Rights Violations in collaboration with Life in Leggings: Caribbean Alliance Against Gender-based Violence.

The event will see participants assembling at the Square of the Revolution before moving along Brickdam to the Stabroek Market Square.

There will be speeches, cultural performances, and free social services, such as on-site HIV testing, after the March.

According to Student Society Against Human Rights Violations member Akola Thompson, the March is centered upon intersectional feminism.

“Mental health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, women and child safety and LGBT rights are topics that will be addressed at the March through speeches, performances and group engagements,” she said.

A similar event was held last March when a large number of persons joined others around the Caribbean who marched in recognition of the historic achievements women have made worldwide, and to continue the struggle for equality.

Zero Discrimination Day 2018 – 1 March 2018

No one should ever be discriminated against because of their age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, language, health (including HIV) status, geographical location, economic status or migrant status, or for any other reason. Unfortunately, however, discrimination continues to undermine efforts to achieve a more just and equitable world. Many people face discrimination every day based on who they are or what they do.  Read the UNAIDS Zero Discrimination brochure here.

Download social media and other campaign materials here.

Towards Just and Inclusive Communities: A Statement on Sec.377 of IPC

We, the members of the National Ecumenical Forum for Gender and Sexual Diversities of the National Council of Churches in India note the decision of the Supreme Court of India on 8th January 2018 to refer to a Constitution Bench a petition seeking to quash Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality. The apex court has observed that a section of people cannot live in fear of the law which atrophies their right to choice and natural sexual inclinations.

Homosexuality and homo-eroticism have been practiced in India from time immemorial. Homosexual activity was never condemned or criminalized in ancient India. Such activities were tolerated as long as people fulfilled the societal expectations of marriage and procreation.

This is the context in which the British came to India as part of their mission of colonial expansion.

In Great Britain, from the Middle Ages, heterosexuality was understood as the divinely ordered and natural norm for human sexuality, and any deviance from this norm was perceived as immoral and unnatural, and hence a sin against God. Christian sexual ethics based on heteronormativity thus led to the imposition of Sodomy Law in Great Britain.

The understanding of sexual ethics of the British colonial administration was deeply influenced by Victorian morality and its particular interpretation of the Judeo-Christian scripture and theology. So, the British authorities considered tolerance towards homosexuality as a social evil, and based on heteronormative principles, they initiated stringent measures to criminalize homoeroticism as part of their mission to civilize the heathens in India. In 1861, the British colonial administration imposed the Sodomy Laws in India to “purify” and “cure” the Indians of their primitive and deviant sexual practices.

Today, there are around seventy countries in the world which continue to criminalize private same-sex intimacy between consenting adults, and eleven countries that still impose the death penalty for homosexuals. The fact is that most of these countries are former British colonies. However, in 1967, the United Kingdom repealed the Sodomy laws, and the Church of England played a significant role in it. The first report in Britain, calling for decriminalization, was initiated and published by the Anglican Church. Further, there was a significant Anglican presence in the Wolfenden Committee, appointed by the government, which recommended to the Parliament to repeal the Sodomy Law.

In the contemporary context of growing fascism, it is important for us to understand the Sodomy Law as legal codes of fascism as they provide the State the power to intervene, invade, regulate, and monitor even the intimate spheres of human life. The Sodomy Law legally sanctions a regime of imperial gaze where the people are always under the surveillance of the State. This repressive legal code further reduces human body and sexuality into “colonies” that can be invaded, tamed, and redeemed with the display of abusive power by the law enforcement officers and the judiciary of the State, and the violent interventions of moral policing by the Religious Right.

There have been different initiatives, campaigns and litigations to repeal Sec 377. On July 2nd 2009, in a historic verdict, the Delhi High Court repealed Sec 377. According to the learned judges, “If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of ‘inclusiveness’… In our view, Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconceptions of who the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual…We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it criminalizes consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 of the Constitution.”

However, the Supreme Court of India, in a verdict given in 2013, set aside the verdict of the Delhi High Court. “We hold that Section 377 does not suffer from unconstitutionality and the declaration made by the High Court is legally unsustainable… However, the competent legislature shall be free to consider the desirability and propriety of deleting Section 377 from the statute book or amend it.”

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India, in a verdict on August 24, 2017, held that “right to privacy is an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty under the Constitution.” “Discrete and insular minorities face grave dangers of discrimination for the simple reason that their views, beliefs or way of life does not accord with the ‘mainstream.’ Sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy. Discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual.” This verdict gave a great boost to the initiatives to decriminalize homoeroticism in India.

Soon after the Delhi High Court verdict repealing Sec 377, the NCCI organized a roundtable to reflect upon the verdict theologically and biblically. The statement of the roundtable affirmed that “We recognize that there are people with different sexual orientations. Our faith affirmation that we are created in the image of God makes it imperative for us to reject systemic and personal attitudes of homophobia against sexual minorities. . . We envision Church as a sanctuary to the ostracized who thirst for understanding, friendship, love, compassion, and solidarity. We appeal to churches to sojourn with sexual minorities and their families ministerially, without prejudice and discrimination, to provide them ministries of love, compassionate care, and justice. We request the National Council of Churches in India and its member churches to initiate an in-depth theological study on Human Sexuality for better discernment of God’s purpose for us.”

In the Indian context of religious diversity, it is important to initiate interfaith coalitions to campaign against homophobia. An interfaith round table was organized in 2014 which brought together theologians, clerics, and practitioners of all major religious traditions in India. The statement of the interfaith roundtable affirmed that: “We commit ourselves to critically engage with our belief systems and practices to review and re-read scriptures and moral codes that stigmatize and demonize people who are different from us. We condemn homophobia and bigotry as morally unacceptable and commit ourselves to eradicate this sin from our religious communities. We pledge to accompany friends who are stigmatized and criminalized due to their sexual orientations and to provide them fellowship and solidarity in their struggles to love and live with dignity. We commit ourselves to transform our worship places to welcome and provide safe spaces for sexual minorities. We discern the need to reclaim and reinterpret our traditions and rituals, festivals and feasts, scriptures and practices, to liberate our religions from the shackles of ideologies of exclusion such as patriarchy, casteism, and homophobia. . . We call upon religious leaders to condemn homophobia and to practice non-discriminatory hiring policies in their institutions, and also to follow affirmative action to end the discrimination that transgendered people face in admissions and appointments. We affirm our resolve to work tirelessly to create a new world of compassion, justice, inclusivity, and acceptance where the divine gift of sexuality will be celebrated in all diverse manifestations of affirmative love.”

Hence churches in India need to give responsible consideration to the initiative of the Supreme Court of India to review Sec 377 in the light of constitutional rights and the right to privacy and the gospel of justice and love. As followers of the non-conformist Christ, the one who consistently questioned unjust and non-compassionate traditions of public morality, our call is to reject all laws that demonize, criminalize, and exclude human beings and work to facilitate just inclusive and loving communities.

In Solidarity,

Members,
National Ecumenical Forum of the Gender and Sexual Diversities,
National Council of Churches in India.

Communiqué – Dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations, February 7-9, 2018, Paramaribo, Suriname

Opening Ceremony

Canon Garth Minott, Co-Chair, described the dialogue between Caribbean Religious Leaders and Representatives of key populations (sex workers, the LGBT community, Transgender community, etc.) as a historic occasion. He highlighted that it was one of the major outcomes of the PANCAP Conference involving 50 Religious Leaders from across the Caribbean Region held in Trinidad and Tobago February 1-2, 2017. He stated that the aim of the dialogue was to establish how the collaboration between Religious Leaders and Key Populations could contribute to the Region’s quest to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. He identified the focus as:

• Addressing the gaps in treatment and prevention of HIV with special reference to the 90-90-90 test and treat targets and the strategies for combination prevention
• Promoting the reduction of stigma and discrimination especially in relation to key populations
• Promoting a viable legislative environment while fostering compliance with the principles of human rights, human sexuality, and human dignity.
• Forging partnerships and reconciling overlapping and divergent aspects of secular and religious governance that deal with the sacredness and wholeness of each person and social action to promote their dignity

Mr. Dereck Springer brought greetings from Prime Minister, Timothy Harris, CARICOM Lead Head for Human Resources, Health and HIV and Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, CARICOM Secretary General. He stated that the dialogue is a milestone for PANCAP and is consistent with the goals of the PANCAP Justice for All Programme as well as the 2016 UN Political Declaration to which all CARICOM States are committed. In his view, it reflects the attempt to better understand the convergence of the social and theological perspectives that would contribute to agreements on what it takes to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative to Suriname, said the theme of the dialogue is a reminder that every human life is of inestimable value. He expected the outcomes of the dialogue to create an environment that is inclusive and to provide options for bridging diversity, breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination and increasing involvement of treatment and prevention partners. Taking action on these issues is consistent with the PAHO/WHO goal for achieving Universal Access to Health for all.

Giving the keynote address, His Excellency Patrick Pengel, Minister of Health, Suriname and Chair of the PANCAP Executive Board stated that Suriname is pleased to host the dialogue. It is a country known for its liberal embrace of diversity. He reiterated the fact that Suriname joined other CARICOM Countries in supporting the 2016 UN High-Level Political Declaration aimed at ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 and that It is particularly committed to the UN 90-90-90 targets. He stressed the importance of partnerships and access to information to reduce stigma, hence the need to strengthen the health information systems, improve the continuum of healthcare and implementing policies reflecting equity in health and life circumstances. This requires compassion for all, commitment to principles that empower rather than marginalize and action that is inclusive and does not leave anyone behind. He advocated for human rights health desks as an important mechanism linking inter-religious networks and key populations. He stated that the dialogue hosted by PANCAP and bringing together Religious Leaders and representatives of key populations is applauded by the Government of Suriname

Colin Robinson gave the vote of thanks with the charge that participants “unpack the tools” needed to do the work: their faith, hopes, and biases.

Plenary Sessions on the Perspectives of Religious Leaders and Key Populations

The first two Plenary Sessions dealt with the complementary issues of the experiences of Religious Leaders and Key Populations. They more specifically dealt with gay, lesbian, bisexual, persons of trans experience and intersex persons, sex work experiences, young people and confronting the challenges of stigma and discrimination.

Among the major issues that emerged were: (a) the general experiences that require special attention by both Religious Leaders and Representatives of Key Populations and (b) the policies that promote inclusion of Key populations in the decision making process.

General Issues emerging from the dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations

• The lived experience of people is at the heart of human sexuality and is a part of who people are.
• Where there is a conflict in matters of religion, philosophy, psychology, law, and human rights principles, it should be ensured that the latter is given consideration.
• In promoting health and well-being there is need to engage the religious community in better understanding of the critical issues of stigma and discrimination and the special challenges of key populations which include youth.
• Account must be taken that different populations/vulnerable groups overlap—e.g., LGBTI people may be people living in poverty; people with disabilities may be young people; people living with HIV may be elderly people.
• Trans persons presented a special case in relation to gender identity, as distinguished from sexual orientation.
• The importance of the Trans person’s relationship to God is not to be underestimated or disregarded.
• Tackling the major social determinants of health includes poverty which compounds the challenges faced by LGBTI and other Key populations with special reference to access, adherence, stigma, and discrimination.
• Need for the Religious Community to create spaces of hospitality that bring disparate groups together and create the basis for healing, compassion, love, and inclusion.

Four (4) Working Groups addressed specific issues relating to:

• Addressing gaps in treatment and prevention of HIV.
• Addressing determinants of Stigma and Discrimination and partnerships between religious groups and Key Populations in the solution
• Forging Partnerships between Religious Leaders, Parliamentarians and LGBTI towards achieving legislative reform, and
• Ways in which Religious Leaders and Members of Key Populations can appreciate each other’s positions and overcoming differences to achieve results of access to Public Health by key populations.
Issues arising from the discussion and for further consideration:
• Promote and implement policies for inclusion
• Recognize the voice and importance of PLHIV spearheaded by in-country CRN+ networks
• Identify those areas of common agreement and pursue policies with empathy
• Sex Workers “performing a service” and not “selling their bodies” as their human rights to earn a living.
• Reconsider the definition of Sex Work and engage in ongoing dialogue with Governments and sex workers to foster an enabling environment towards ending AIDS by 2030.
• Discuss the concept of Transgender within sacred scripture and theological constructs
• Take cognizance of information based on scientific evidence on human sexuality and sexual and gender diversity
• Incorporate the theological guidelines that ‘all human beings are made in the image of God’ and that ‘God Almighty dwells within all of us’
• Religious teachings may undergo changes based on interpretation and practice.

Religious Leaders Caucus focused on the need for ongoing dialogue and networking within and among religious communities and with members of key populations. Key Populations Caucus affirmed that strengthening Caribbean democracy and justice for all entails a commitment to the principle of including marginalized groups in a range of policy-making and governance, including representation in legislatures, political parties and at planning tables. It was affirmed that key populations and their interests deserve as much a place in governance as do religious representatives.

Recommendations for Constructive Dialogue between Religious Leaders and Key Populations

• Creating spaces of hospitality: “welcome of the strangers/the others in their otherness based on respect— e.g. community evangelism in the Dominican Republic”
• Establishing the basis for places of worship to give parents tools on Sexuality and incorporate holistic sexuality education into their programmes, including those for youth.
• Making every effort to reach marginalized populations, including advocating for and/or reasonable legislative changes, and seeking to cooperate in this venture.
• Establishing a national mechanism to address social and psychological approaches for dealing with the challenges affecting key populations.

Prayer and Worship

Members of the various religious communities were given opportunities to guide the assembly in moments of meditation, at the beginning and at the end of each day. Reflections were held on the basis of the respective religious traditions present at the consultation. This was an opportunity to engage the faith of the participants with the lived realities discussed within the consultation. This meditation set the tone of the conversations in the plenary, small groups and individual encounters. Through this interreligious approach, participants were able to learn more about one another’s faiths and could also begin to create a better understanding and respect for other faith and perspectives.

The Way Forward

Members of the Regional Consultative Steering Committee for the Implementation of Recommendations to End AIDS by 2030 will meet before the end of February to deliberate on the recommendations from this consultation. Specific focus will be on strengthening the religious networks in each territory and encouraging religious leaders to include representatives from key populations on the steering/management committees. It is anticipated that at least one consultation will be held in each territory in the next twelve to eighteen months. Recommendations from these consultations will be fed into another regional consultation of religious leaders and key populations in two to three years.

Appreciation

Religious Leaders and members of Key Populations worshipped God in joint services on the morning and afternoon of each day. This was to give thanks to God for mercies in making this dialogue possible and in providing a space for both groups to engage in this historic dialogue. We are therefore grateful to God for inspiration and guidance and to our partners locally in Suriname, regionally in CARICOM and PANCAP and globally, especially Global Fund for tangible assistance. To God be the glory.