DESCRIPTION: |
People who are HIV positive have the same rights as everyone else. You have the same right as anyone else to education. A school cannot refuse to educate you because you have HIV or AIDS and children living with HIV/AIDS cannot be discriminated against at school. You have the right to take your own decisions about medical treatment. For example, you cannot be forced to have an HIV test. You also have the right to make your own decisions about pregnancy. You cannot be forced to terminate your pregnancy because you are HIV positive. Your right to privacy means that you have the right to keep the fact that you HIV positive to yourself. Your employer or you're your doctor cannot force you to tell them your status and cannot force you to have an HIV test. You can choose what kind of work you want to do. For example, you cannot be prevented from becoming a teacher or health care worker because you are HIV positive. You may not be refused a subsidy or loan to buy a house because you have HIV or AIDS. It is unlawful to evict you from your home because of your health. Hospitals or medical people cannot refuse to treat you. You have the right to a disability grant if you are too ill to support yourself or your family. |
INSTRUCTIONS: |
If you are HIV positive or have AIDS, you have the right to live your life with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination and blame. If you have any questions about HIV/AIDS you can phone the free 24-hour AIDS Helpline at 0800 012 322 If you feel that your rights are being violated, you can report this to the South African Human Rights Commission. You can also approach any of the NGO's supporting people living with HIV. |
|
GOVERNMENT BODY:
|
South African Human Rights Commission |
|
|
Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government |  |