Rights for children orphaned by AIDS

Women and children vulnerable to property grabbing, disinheritance and social rejection are gaining new rights thanks to a project in Uganda that is redressing the inequalities faced by people living with AIDS.

Dr. Richard Oketch, Health Adviser for Plan Uganda, in front of a poster presentation on Barefoot lawyers: Making strides towards social justice - a project run by Plan in partnership with the Federation of Women Lawyers

Speaking at an International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Dr Richard Oketch, Health Advisor for Plan Uganda, explained, "traditionally when a man died, a relative would marry his widow, assume responsibility for his children and manage his assets. HIV/AIDS has complicated this tradition and the increasing number of deaths has overstretched families’ capabilities of caring for all widows and orphans."

As will writing is a taboo and seen as a prediction of death, there is no will in place to ensure that the property is inherited by the widow or children. Lack of support, legal knowledge and awareness about rights has exacerbated this situation.

Plan Uganda is involved in a project, in partnership with the Federation of Women Lawyers, which assists families in making clear plans to provide for their children's basic needs after a parent dies. The project also includes legal awareness sessions, basic legal training for community volunteers, court representation and support in writing wills and memory books. 

As a result, children and their mothers have regained their shelter and livelihood. Fathers are making provisions for their children, including school fees. Children feel able to ask for assistance with their cases.

Youth participation at the International AIDS Conference, Bangkok 2004

The project is empowering some of the most vulnerable people in society to achieve social justice and equitable recognition under the law. It has widened the accessibility of legal knowledge to rural communities and reduced the taboo against will writing. Voluntary HIV testing has increased because people now know they can receive free legal services if they have been tested.

Also at the conference in Bangkok, which ran from 11-16 July, Plan Thailand exhibited information about its work with orphans and vulnerable children as part of the Health Ministry of Thailand’s stand.