Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS must remain in their communities - UN Human Rights Commission told
11 April 2001

The 13 million children who are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS not only have to cope with the loss of their parents but often have to deal with hunger and discrimination, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement today to the 57th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights which is sitting in Geneva.

The International Federation considers that wherever possible, orphans must remain in the community. They need to be assisted through programmes which link care and prevention, which fight all forms of discrimination and respect a child's right to confidentiality.

It is particularly important in places like sub-Saharan Africa where there are 11 million children who have lost one or both parents, that "wherever possible, orphans must continue education, as the future of nations in sub-Saharan Africa rests with the children of today."

Commenting on the statement, after returning from a review of Red Cross HIV/AIDS programmes in Southern Africa, the Federation's senior social welfare officer, Ms. Jennifer Inger said: "It's a massive and tragic situation. Programmes are needed which will prevent families from sliding into destitution. There is a danger that the extended family system may collapse when the present generation of grandparents passes away.

"We are prepared to work with all other players in society, from community leaders to governments, to ensure adequate care for orphaned children in their own community."

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

In Geneva :

Denis McClean, Head of Media Service, Tel.: +41 22 730 4428/ + 41 79 217 3357
Christopher Black, Information Officer Tel. : + 41 22 730 4377/ +41 79 217 3345

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.