Compulsory HIV testing a rights abuse, say campaigners

" We found that some state government agencies and private companies still conduct compulsory HIV testing for applicants and employees. It is violating the principal of human rights and world campaigns wencouraging people to have HIV testing on a voluntary basis,"said the Aids Access Foundation's director, Nimitr Tien-udom.

The statement was issued for World Aids Day, held on December 1 each year to raise awareness of the Aids pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. This year's theme is:

"Stop Aids. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower - Deliver."

Nimitr said according to foundation records, three state agencies and two private companies still conduct compulsory HIV testing.

" The main reason they [state agencies and private companies] conduct compulsory HIV testing is because they think HIV positive people behave badly and can be a burden and a danger to their office colleagues," he said.

In fact, he said, anyone can get HIV infection if they do not protect themselves by using condoms during sexual intercourse. Additionally, people living with HIV can access lifesaving drugs and work as well as anyone else.

Organisations with compulsory HIV testing should cancel the practice which abuses basic human rights and law, he said. Prevention and access to treatment are more important than testing.

"Even a blood test does not mean a person is permanently free from HIV risk. They always have a chance to become HIV infected through unsafe behaviour," he said. "Instead of forcing people to have HIV tests, agencies and companies should give money to help prevent the spread of HIV infection."