SAARC policy framework to combat AIDS

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

A round table dialogue was held in Katmandu Nepal recently to formulate policy to minimise the spread of HIV disease in South Asian Countries. Many views were exchanged on existing policy frame work and legal barriers that impede the spread of AIDs in the South Asian countries.

The Police Media Spokesman SP, Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer the round table dialogue was a forum to exchange ideas on existing laws, regulations, policies, and views of the communities afflicted by the disease.

Representatives from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh Bhutan, Maldives participated at the conference. from 8-10 November. The conference was sponsored by the International Development Law Organisation, UN AIDS and the UNDP. The Sri Lanka delegation comprised of Justice Shirani Tilakawardena, Senaka Dissanayake from the Human Rights Commission, K.K.A.D. Arandara, Senior Assistant Secretary Ministry of Justice, Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana, Dr. Dayanath Ranatunga, Social Mobilisation Officer of UN AIDS, (Sri Lanka). The Bhutan Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court of Nepal and India, and Parliamentarians Lawyers and other officials also attended the conference.