News
What: Workshop on HIV among Migrants and Refugees: Strengthening collaboration among faith-based organizations, multi-lateral organizations, governments, and civil society in addressing HIV risk, provision of services, and advocacy
When: 20-21 February 2019
Where: Visser ‘t Hooft Hall, Ecumenical Centre, 1 Route des Morillons, 1218 Grand Saconnex, Switzerland
All media are welcome to attend. No prior registration is required.
Livestream: www.oikoumene.org/live (selected sessions)
20 February, 09.15-11.15: Setting the scene
21 February, 16.15-17.45: Strengthening the role of faith-based organizations in responses to HIV
The workshop:
Migration and displacement can place people at increased risk of vulnerability to HIV, and have been identified in certain contexts as an independent risk factor for HIV.
In many countries, refugees and migrants face complex obstacles, including a lack of access to health-care services and social protections. In addition, social exclusion leaves refugees and migrants highly vulnerable to HIV infection.
However, migration and displacement do not equal HIV vulnerability and existing HIV policies and programmes targeting migrants and refugees may actually contribute to increased stigma and discrimination. Efforts must thus be made to reduce barriers to health services for the benefit of refugees, migrants, their communities and the global response to HIV.
Against this background, UNAIDS, the International Catholic Migration Commission and the World Council of Churches – Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance organize a workshop in collaboration with PEPFAR, the Anglican Communion, Islamic Relief, the IOM, UNHCR and the WHO.
The aim is to identify a roadmap for strengthening faith-based organizations’ engagement in collaboration with other sectors, expanding the role of faith-based organizations in addressing HIV risk and providing services to migrants and refugees.
Media contact:
WCC director of communication Marianne Ejdersten; e-mail: [email protected], mobile phone: +41 79 507 63 63
