by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
On Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday 24, I attended UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Consultation on Universal Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support. I was a member of the panel that focused on: The Social and Cultural Environment: Human Rights and HIV (see CCSJ’s website for my presentation).
Interestingly, among the 150 or so persons present – including Ministers of Government from around the region, I was the only speaker/participant representing a faith-based community.
The Consultation was in preparation for the High Level Meeting on HIV that will be held at the UN General Assembly in New York, June 8 -10, 2011. UNAIDS says “that meeting will be attended by the UN Secretary General, Heads of State and heads of key UN agencies involved in the HIV response.”
Sitting next to me was the CEO of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation, which, I understand, is affiliated to Planned Parenthood. One of the members on my panel was the Chair of a T&T organisation – (Coalition Advocating for the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation – CAISO).
The UNAIDS report on “The Status of HIV in the Caribbean” (http://www.unaids.org), states: “HIV remains the leading cause of death among people aged 20-59…The faith-based community has provided care and support. However, open opposition from some groups to prevention strategies (for example, condom use) and public statements about gay men, sex work and homosexuality have limited the effect of national responses.”
Hon Mia Mottley, QC and MP from Barbados, received a standing ovation for her contribution. She asked: “What kind of society do we want to build? What kind of people do we wish to raise …We need a gold standard regional charter for human rights. There is a draft…. Politicians respond to voices and numbers…we need to ‘up’ the ante and ask politicians to protect their own…Our voice matters on issues such as sexual and reproductive rights…”
Speaker after speaker called for the decriminalisation of laws, which, they say, perpetuate stigma and discrimination and limit access to health care and fuel the spread of HIV. They believe that such laws are obstacles to the “rights” of e.g. “homosexuals, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons.”
What my experience at this consultation highlights is the difference of opinion that exists in our region about the kind of society we wish to build and the kind of people we wish to raise. I know that a Catholic gold standard regional charter for human rights will be somewhat different from that proposed by many of those present at the consultation. A Catholic view of development – including human development, is somewhat different. As I stated in my presentation:
“Pope John Paul II said: ‘There is a universal moral law written on the human heart.’…The Catholic Church teaches that there is an objective moral truth/framework which stands as our code of conduct, to inform our consciences and behaviour if we are to live virtuous, holy lives as God intended. This is our belief; this is what we stand for.
“As Monsignor Vitillo, special adviser to Caritas on HIV/AIDS said: ‘…the social doctrine of the Church …brings us a vision of the whole person, created in the image of God, gifted with a God-given, unique and irrevocable dignity.’ While we will not compromise our beliefs and values, we find that we can still work together with others to address the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
“On World AIDS Day 2005 Pope Benedict XVI stated ‘…the Church has always considered the cure of the sick as an integral part of her mission.’ All Catholic Dioceses in the AEC Caribbean region have as part of their pastoral priorities, the support, care, and advocacy for persons with HIV and AIDS in order to promote their inherent dignity. The Church offers compassionate, non-judgmental care for those living with and affected by HIV. Parishioners are urged to respond, as Caritas says: “with acceptance, love, and solidarity, and without discrimination, rejection, or stigmatisation.” I outlined the work of Living Water Community, the Society of St Vincent de Paul etc. in this area and shared Catholic teaching on issues such as marriage, human sexuality etc..
I end with some comments made by two Government Ministers. Hon Sam Condor, St Kitts and Nevis, rightly called for a change in mindset and behaviour among citizens if we are to achieve zero new infections. Minister, Hon Rodger Samuel, T&T, told it as it is: “We live in a carnival culture that promotes multiple partners and risky sexual behaviour; a culture in which, though people may be aware of HIV, many have not internalised the messages and do not believe that they will be infected.” The Caribbean has the highest HIV prevalence rate outside sub-Saharan Africa and is the only region where the proportion of women and girls living with HIV is higher than that of men and boys. In T&T the virus rates are five times higher in girls than in boys between ages 15 and 19.
The challenge for us is to help transform this culture and to build a culture of life, of virtuous living. Let us commit to upholding the dignity of the human person.
