NEW YORK, April 22 (AFP) - China should do more to end abuse of people infected with HIV, the AIDS virus, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.
The rights group wants China to bar discrimination against people infected with HIV and to create a mechanism through which victims of discrimination can file complaints. The group says discrimination against people with HIV is widespread in China.
The group's statement coincides with a visit to the United States by Chinese Vice Premier and Minster of Health Wu Yi.
"The vice premier has made some good statements about a new approach to China's HIV/AIDS epidemic," said Sara Davis, researcher in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch. "But China should be judged on whether it really implements those promises."
In the past month, China has offered to pay for voluntary AIDS testing in areas worst-hit by the disease and announced plans to distribute free condoms at entertainment venues.
Wu has also threatened punishment for anyone who tries to cover up the epidemic.
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