"HIV / AIDS and Human Rights in Kenya"
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Date
2003-10Author
Kimeu, Dorothy N O
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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This study investigates the impact of HIV/AIDS scourge in Kenya. It examines the
relationship between HIV/AIDS and lack of respect for human rights. It also
examines the role played by HIV/AIDS in undermining the realisation of human
rights, as well as the effects of HIV/AIDS on the socio-economicand cultural rights in
Kenya.
This study has utilised both documentary and survey data. Interviews were
conducted through questionnaires formulated for people living with HIV, employers
and implementers of policies from various organisations.
The central assumption is that those infected by HIV/AIDS are prone to human rights
violations, hence the study examines how Kenya is implementing the international
standards set by the United Natlons'in upholding the rights of those infected with the
virus.
The study has found out that though positive HIV/AIDS status leads to human rights
violations, there are several other factors which go hand in hand with it, for example
the status of a person in society, and the sex of the person. This therefore makes
those persons whose other human rights are already violated more vulnerable to
further infection with HIV/AIDS and violation o.f their rights.
The study makes the case that poverty and underdevelopment are major
components in the spread of HIV/AIDS, by denying persons access to treatment,
care, preventive interventions and education. It concludes that if people's rights to
health, work and non-discrimination are honoured, then the trend in the impact of
HIV/AIDSwould be reversed.
The study established that those living with HIV/AIDS, to a large extent believe that
their human rights are being violated, while the employers believe that those
infected with the virus are being treated like the rest. The study has also highlighted
the fact that due to the level of socio - economic development in Kenya, most of the
people do not understand the complexities of human rights violations.
Citation
Masters thesis University of Nairobi 2003Publisher
University of Nairobi Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies
Description
Degree of master of arts in international studies