In the USA, the entry ban for HIV-positive people was lifted in January 2010. However, there are still restrictions in 52 countries worldwide. Politicians are now calling for these to be lifted as quickly as possible, indirectly appealing to themselves.
A statement to this effect was published at the 122nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPA) in Bangkok last week. The IPA is an organisation that has been in existence since 1889 and brings together parliamentarians from all countries on a regular basis. With its call, the world organisation based in Geneva is following the guidelines of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who in July 2008 encouraged the country representatives at the United Nations to restore freedom of movement and travel for HIV-positive people.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union has adopted its appeal together with UNAIDS. The UN aid project has designated 2010 as the year of "Freedom to Travel for All". "Travel restrictions for people living with HIV do nothing to protect public health and are outdated in an era of universal access to prevention and treatment," said UNAIDS Director Michel Sidibé. "Parliamentarians can play a vital role in removing discriminatory laws and restrictions."
IPA President Theo-Ben Gurirab admits self-critically: "With the restrictions, we are unnecessarily depriving HIV-positive people of their dignity and their rights. Parliamentarians have a duty to protect the rights of all citizens, including people living with HIV."
An overview of the current regulations worldwide can be found here.
