Supporting key population-led organizations in Angola to remove barriers to HIV services

Human Action Association, IRIS Assocation and Angolan Identity Archive are making significant strides to combat stigma, discrimination and criminalization

16 de July de 2024

Understanding and applying the law to safeguard human rights

Damiana Caculo found herself caught in a whirlwind of accusations and injustice. What began as a hopeful and supportive relationship with her now ex-partner, both living with HIV, ended in a nightmare when she was suddenly accused of transmitting the virus. Damiana's world shattered. Despite her and her partner’s shared HIV-positive status, law enforcement failed to investigate sufficiently. Damiana's rights were egregiously violated, her photo in jail and her HIV status shared on social media and national TV. She lost her job, and her children suffered severe bullying at school. The constant stigma and discrimination forced her to move to a different neighborhood. After enduring these hardships, Damiana is now free, vindicated as no evidence was ever found against her.

Mrs. Damiana Caculo, whose name has been changed to protect anonymity. Photo: Human Action Association

This betrayal by the very system meant to protect her left her feeling abandoned and disillusioned, highlighting the pressing need for empathy and reform in society's approach to HIV-related issues.

“While it's essential to have laws in place to protect public health and prevent intentional harm, it's equally crucial to ensure that individuals are not falsely accused or unfairly prosecuted. Accusations of intentionally infecting someone with HIV must be thoroughly investigated, and legal processes should be fair and just.” Mrs. Damiana Caculo .

With Human Action Association, Damiana has been sharing her story to raise awareness about the impact of the criminalization of HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure. The HIV and AIDS Law, which was published in 2004, criminalises HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure. With support from UNDP, the law is being reviewed with a view to aligning it with international guidelines. In the meantime, its criminalization-related provisions can still be used and result in serious harm to people living with HIV and other key populations. Damiana did not intentionally transmit HIV to her partner, as both were living with HIV at the start of their relationship. Yet, the application of punitive and discriminatory laws, combined with societal stigma and prejudice, creates a dangerous environment for people living with HIV and other key populations vulnerable to HIV.

With the support of the SCALE Initiative, a partnership led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Action Association has made a real difference in Angola by amplifying the voices and advocating for the rights of people living with HIV. The non-governmental organization (NGO) specializes in providing HIV services to the community across Angola and advocates for improved access to ARV treatment, while aiming to enhance Angola's legal framework related to HIV. Human Action utilizes the "Star" community development methodology, empowering people living with HIV to establish NGOs, organizations and networks.

Promoting citizenship and human rights of the LGBTIQ+ community to improve HIV outcomes

In Angola, the context for the LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer) community is complex, but ensuring equal rights and equitable service access is crucial for an effective HIV response. Anti-discrimination policies, targeted prevention programmes such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), safer sex education, legal literacy and inclusive healthcare services are essential to overcome these barriers.

There have been some positive developments, such as the decriminalization of same-sex relations and Penal Code approved in 2020 has provisions against discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, significant challenges remain, including the absence of comprehensive legal reforms tailored to safeguard the rights and address the needs of LGBTIQ+ communities in Angola's HIV response. Involving LGBTIQ+ organizations in the design and implementation of HIV programs enhances cultural sensitivity and community trust, thereby improving the effectiveness of interventions. To fully realize these improvements, it is imperative to address the harmful societal attitudes influenced by cultural, religious and traditional beliefs that still result in discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals.

“LGBTIQ+ individuals face challenges in accessing healthcare and education due to various factors, including stigma, discrimination and lack of awareness among service providers.” Mr. Aguinaldo Sebastião, Program director for HIV of IRIS Association.

Mrs. Maura Gomes Financial Director of Iris Association. Photo: UNDP Angola

As one of the main NGOs in Angola working towards promoting citizenship and human rights for the community, IRIS Association helped set the standard by promoting the concepts of gender equality, decriminalization and inclusion, as well as the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Angola. These are essential aspects of ensuring that access to HIV prevention, care and treatment services are strengthened.

“By educating people about different sexual orientations, we can foster understanding and acceptance. This helps combat stereotypes and discrimination, creating a more inclusive and tolerant society where LGBTIQ+ communities will feel more enabled to access the HIV services they may need ”, says Mrs. Maura Gomes, Financial Director of IRIS Association.

Key population solidarity is critical to address stigma and discrimination

IRIS believes in training peer educators to help protect and defend the rights of the key populations, such as sex workers and LGBTIQ+ people. For this mission, IRIS has gained the support of the UNDP-led SCALE Initiative and a network of committed and capable individuals eager to learn more to educate their peers. One of them is Mrs. Catarina Mendes, Director of The Association for the Defense of Women (ADM), who works for the protection and rights of sex workers in Angola in consortium with IRIS Association.

In Angola, sex work is not a crime, however those engaged in it face significant social stigma and legal risks. Sex workers disproportionately encounter discrimination and barriers to accessing healthcare, education and other social services.

um grupo de pessoas em pé em uma sala — Mrs. Catarina Mendes Director of Association for the Defense of women. Photo: UNDP Angola

Mrs Catarina Mendes says that “Stigma and discrimination against sex workers contribute to their marginalization and hinder efforts to address their rights and well-being.”

With support from the SCALE Initiative, Mrs Mendes is helping raise awareness about sex worker rights through continuous training of law enforcement officers, health technicians and other communities.

Stigma and discrimination are some of the biggest obstacles faced by key populations. Angolan Identity Archive helps them by promoting training initiatives focusing on combating stigma and discrimination against marginalized groups, with a strong emphasis on female sex workers, transgender women, women living with HIV and lesbian, bisexual and queer individuals.

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Training on Stigma and Discrimination Against women Sex Workers, Transgender Women, Women Living with HIV and Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer women inside the National AIDS Institute. Photo: UNDP Angola

These initiatives aim to educate and empower the LGBTIQ+, sex worker and PLHIV communities about their rights and equip them with a robust understanding of the legal avenues available to safeguard those rights. The programmes are conducted in collaboration with key institutions such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, embassies, local civil society organizations and educational institutions. This complements the long-standing work done through the UNDP-Global Fund partnership in Angola, which continues to help strengthen health and community systems. Synergies with UNDP’s #WeBelongAfrica regional projects also maximized the impact of the projects and integrated the SCALE initiative seemslessly in the KP and LGBTI programming done in the country. UNDP HIV and Health group’s initiatives are raising awareness on the challenges faced by people living with HIV and key populations and helping to promote understanding while also fostering inclusive environments in justice and healthcare settings to improve access to a range of social and health services.