Where
When
Improving understanding of HIV criminalisation and how to protect the rights of people living with HIV.
About this Event
National AIDS Trust invites you to join us for two online events exploring HIV criminalisation in the UK.
Wednesday 21 October 2020 from 3-5pm
- HIV Criminalisation : Understanding the law *WEBINAR*
Wednesday 28 October 2020 from 3-5pm
- HIV Criminalisation: Protecting people’s rights *WORKSHOP*
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These events are intended for anyone in the UK who is:
• living with HIV
• working in an organisation that supports people living with HIV
• an HIV clinician or healthcare worker, or working in wider sexual health
You can sign up to one or both events here. You need to do so separately for each event. More information on the topic and events below.
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HIV criminalisation describes the application of the criminal law to people living with HIV. Globally there are examples of criminal laws that apply to HIV transmission, exposure and even non-disclosure of HIV status. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it generally refers to prosecutions for ‘reckless’ or ‘intentional’ transmission of HIV. But in Scotland prosecutions for exposure are also possible. Sometimes HIV status is raised as a factor in other cases, such as assault cases, even when there is no transmission risk.
It is widely accepted that criminalisation of HIV is in general a counter-productive policy in terms of public health, human rights and the fight against stigma. Yet, nearly 20 years since prosecutions first became possible under the law in the UK, we've seen little change to the basic legal framework.
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HIV Criminalisation: Understanding the law – Wednesday 21 October 2020, 3-5pm
The event will explore HIV criminalisation law in the UK and how it relates to the international context, as well as its impact on people living with HIV. This will include presentations from Edwin Bernard (HIV Justice Network) and Professor Matthew Weait (University of Portsmouth).
Agenda to follow.
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HIV Criminalisation: Protecting people’s rights - Wednesday 28 October 2020, 3-5pm:
There will be an interactive workshop to discuss how we can respond to the issue of HIV criminalisation in a way that supports and protects the rights of people living with HIV. It will include discussions about how we can ensure that the application of the law does not stigmatise people living with HIV, and make sure that all people living with HIV feel supported.
We ask that you come prepared to participate in discussions. A list of discussion topics will be shared in advance so that you may indicate which discussions you would like to take part in.
Agenda to follow.
You can book tickets for these free events here.