AEGiS-UNAIDS: South Asia faith representatives pledge action on HIV/AIDS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

South Asia faith representatives pledge action on HIV/AIDS

UNICEF Press Release - December 6, 2003

KATHMANDU Nepal, 6 December 2003 - A pledge for action to protect children and young people from the ravages of the HIV and AIDS epidemic has been made by religious and faith based groups from 8 South Asian countries. More than a 140 figures from religious communities, faith based groups and young people have been attending a three-day summit in Kathmandu. The meeting, organised by the regional office of the UN Children's Fund, was the first to be held in South Asia for spiritual leaders to discuss HIV and AIDS and the unique contribution they can make to alleviate the effects of the epidemic on children and young people.

In a final declaration the figures reaffirmed the commitments inherent in their teachings to ensure protection and care for children, young people and their families. In addition the declaration contains provisions to increase understanding on HIV and AIDS and a revisiting of teachings that may have fostered discrimination against young people, particularly girls. Participants have stated they will work together to find common beliefs across the different teachings that can help prevent infection and alleviate suffering.

'The representatives from the different religions and faiths here have achieved something quite remarkable', said Dr. Sadig Rasheed, the UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. 'They are united in their desire to use their influence to improve the social conditions that help spread the virus and are looking at ways to place their teachings at the forefront of the battle to tackle stigma, gender discrimination and the lack of participation of the very young people who will have to bear the burden of a worsening epidemic. The word 'landmark' is often overused, but here the description fits.'

One of the requests from the participants is for UNICEF and the World Conference of Religions for Peace to establish an inter-religious council for South Asia to foster a collective response to the challenge of HIV and AIDS. James Cairns of Religions for Peace believes such an initiative will be key to carrying the work forward. 'We have seen the representatives from all religions establish a strong spirit of collaboration which can help to develop an inter faith network in South Asia. This will bring benefits for all and we can help to make this a reality.'

Up to 5 million people in South Asia are living with HIV and the region is experiencing some of the fastest growth rates of HIV infection in the world. UNAIDS has pinpointed India as a country facing a new epidemic. Those participating in the Kathmandu meeting included followers from the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Baha'I communities. The countries represented were Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

For further information please contact:

Martin Dawes - UNICEF Regional Office

00 977 9810 40961

Binita Shah - UNICEF Regional Office

00 977 9810 74260

email: bshah@unicef.org

Notes for Editors

The South Asia Inter-Faith Consultation on Children, Young People and HIV/AIDS was held at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal 4th û 6th December 2003. It was preceded by a Young People's Forum comprising more than twenty participants from 8 South Asian countries.

Copies of the full text of the South Asian Interfaith Pledge on Children, Young People and HIV/AIDS: Prevention, Care and Compassion are available from the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia.

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