Human rights
Key Correspondents health blogs' on human rights and health reveal what life is like for people facing stigma, discrimination and violence due to their age, sexuality, gender, health status or disability.
Many Key Correspondents report personal accounts of LGBT people, men who have sex with men, and people living with HIV who are struggling to access health services due to stigma and discrimination.
Many Key Correspondents advocate for the rights of women, the rights of sex workers, LGBT, MSM and people who use drugs. They report on health campaigns that bring governments to account for failing to provide health services to these groups, as well as adding their voices to grass roots campaigns around stigma reduction, health provision and harm reduction.
Human rights defenders in Africa get 1.8m Euro boost
Journalists and other human rights defenders are to get better legal, medical and family assistance under a 1.8 million Euro project launched by Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network (PAHRD-Net). more
‘All we need to do is understand that these people are human’
In Uganda, people living with mental health problems are shunned by most of society. Many are homeless and spend their days walking from one end of the street to another or just sitting by the roadside. However, in Fort Portal, Uganda yesterday (19 November) things were different . more
‘This prison is more hell on earth than ever’
A remanded person awaiting trial at Livingstone central prison, Zambia says he fears an outbreak of cholera and scabies may soon ravage inmates due to congestion and poor sanitation. more
Can Uganda sustain its LGBTI fight with the international community?
Just when one thinks that Uganda is growing up by leaving alone people who are LGBTI something else emerges that shocks the bold hearted into action, argues James Kityo. more
Draft UN resolution on female genital mutilation submitted
The African Press Organisation reports that a draft UN resolution against female genital mutilation has been submitted by a group of African countries. more
Stigma free services vital for SRH and HIV integration
Kanakulya Godfrey, who works at the AIDS support Organisation (TASO) in Uganda on empowerment programmes for people living with HIV and AIDS, says stigma may have reduced in communities but it is always there and can manifest itself in many forms. more
Comfort and compassion during delivery an expensive affair
In Kenya, comfort and compassion during delivery is an expensive affair. Women who cannot afford to pay for admission to private facilities to deliver are subjected to verbal and physical abuse at the hands of health providers in general hospitals. more
Discrimination against sex workers – who needs sensitization?
The sun is scorching and the day does not seem very welcoming for Grace*, a sex worker in Makindu town within Makueni county, Kenya. Yesterday was not a good day for the 24-year-old mother of two. more
‘Let us have our rights’ demand HIV widows
Widows and orphans of people who have died of HIV/AIDS in Kiboga district have appealed for assistance from human rights defenders to pursue legal redress for their right to property ownership. more
The Uganda anti-homosexuality bill struggles on amid pressure
Could it be true that the anti-homosexuality bill may never live to see the dawn of a new day? more
Zimbabwe MPs learn from Zambia’s approach to anti-trafficking
Zimbabwean Members of Parliament have visited Zambia to familiarize them with Zambia’s implementation of its counter-trafficking laws. more
AIDS 2012: Justice and health access in prisons
Prisoners and HIV risks People who end up in jail often come from situations that leave them at greater risk of contracting HIV. When imprisoned the dangers multiply as many face overcrowded cells and lack basic nutrition, health, hygiene, and … more
Amsher condemns shutting down of human rights workshop in Uganda
The African Men for Sexual Health and Rights [AMSHeR] has strongly condemned the unlawful shutting down of a human rights workshop in Kampala on Monday, 18 June 2012 by the police under the auspices of Uganda’s Ethics and Integrity Minister, Simon Lokodo. more
LGBTI denied rights yet again in Uganda
Father Simon Lokodo, the Ugandan Minister of Ethics and Integrity, has caused uproar among human rights activists after daring President Obama and other Western leaders to stop giving aid to Uganda if the money is pinned to the country recognising the rights of gays and lesbians. more
Repeal draconic laws, UN human rights chief Pillay urges Zim government
The United Nations’ Navanethem Pillay has urged the Zimbabwean government to repeal legislation that is misused by some prosecutors to block release after bail has been granted without providing a reason for this action. more
Global Week of Action – Robin Hood Tax and G8
KC Ishdeep Koholi on the Robin Hood Tax global week of action, which took place from May 18 to May 22 in the wake of the G8 Summit at Camp David. more
