The 23rd January 2009 saw the launch of a ground-breaking workshop bringing together senior members of the judiciary to explore methods of guaranteeing the full legal protection and equal treatment of people living with HIV. The workshop marked another milestone in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya’s close partnership with the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), who have already collaborated closely on a series of successful workshops on HIV/AIDS.

The three day event, held at the NCID,  attracted leading figures from the Libyan Judiciary, under the banner of “Leaders Keep the Promise: Stop AIDS.”  The gathered lawyers, judges and heads of court participated in a series of lectures and discussions offering general medical information on HIV/AIDS and exploring in-depth the framework that underpins the legal treatment of those living with HIV. The attendees discussed the legal rights provided for those living with HIV under Shari’a law and Islamic Jurisprudence. To identify possible areas of ambiguity and to look into ways of preventing discrimination, the attendees analysed the Libyan legal system in great detail. Special attention was also accorded to discussing the medical ethics and legal provisions surrounding HIV/AIDS research, to ensure that all necessary studies are carried out with maximum respect for the privacy and dignity of those living with HIV.

An enduring theme throughout the event was the observation that, whilst the Libyan legal system offers equal legal rights to those living with HIV/AIDS, widespread ignorance of the issue amongst those responsible for applying the law leaves room for discrimination to occur. Brian Gleeson, UNDP Resident Representative, spoke to remind those gathered that ‘it is our sacred duty to ensure that the law is respected in spirit and not just in letter.’ He pointed out that only last year a number of students in Libya were excluded from their studies on the sole basis of their living with the virus, a situation that is both morally unacceptable and completely at odds with legal provisions on the subject. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, but unless the issue of discrimination is fully addressed, tragedies like this may yet occur. The United Nations Development Programme in Libya is unwavering in its determination to guarantee that all people living with HIV are able to enjoy their nationally enshrined rights in full and this informative awareness-raising activity was an important step forward in their campaign.

		The issues discussed at this workshop struck at the very core of the current global battle against HIV/AIDS. As Brian Gleeson emphasized, ‘the struggle against HIV/AIDS has never been simply a medical one, it is a social battle, an economic battle and a human rights battle.’ Addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS in Libya represents one of UNDP Libya’s primary ambitions. As part of its commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), UNDP Libya is determined to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and to achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it. Whilst the current rate of prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country is under 1%, which is low by global standards, the stigma and widespread ignorance surrounding the issue impedes the reduction of transmission rates.  A fear of discrimination or social isolation should their condition become public also deters people living with HIV from seeking the help and treatment they deserve. In short, raising public understanding of HIV/AIDS is critical to reducing transmission rates, increasing access to medical treatment and ending discrimination against those living with the virus.
The NCID has been at the forefront of the campaign to break the social taboos hindering the national struggle against HIV/AIDS and to secure the equal rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. Professor Abdelhafid Abudher, Director of NCID spoke to the gathered members of the judiciary about the centres work in creating a network of support for those living with HIV. His sentiments echoed those of Brian Gleeson when he emphasised the important role that the attendees played by sharing their legal experience and opinions with NCID and UNDP, so that all those involved can move forward in unity. To date, NCID and UNDP have collaborated on a number of workshops looking to disseminate information and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst key members of society. To date, their campaigns have targeted religious leaders, youth, the media and people living with HIV/AIDS. In targeting the judiciary, UNDP and NCID added another important dimension to UNDP and NCID’s awareness raising work. As Brian Gleeson emphasised in his speech, a country’s legal system is a critical gauge of its underlying values and principles.  Making sure that the country’s lawyers and judges are fully informed on HIV/AIDS is a vital step towards putting an end to discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.