Want to have a say in how AIDS in your community will be shaped over the next five years?
Global AIDS Week of Action (20-26 May 2006) One week. One voice
Join the UU-UNO to demand a stronger response, more accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS worldwide before decision-makers walk into the halls of the UN for the 2006 High-Level Meeting on AIDS in New York.
Five years after the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment (DoC), governments are being called to report on their progress toward implementing these promises. Between May 31st and June 2nd, 2006, every member country will be sending a delegation to New York to participate in this review meeting.
Five years later, there are still 15 million AIDS deaths, and 25 million new HIV infections. There are myriad stories from people who are not able to access treatment; HIV Positive women, children and orphans are being neglected, marginalized, and stigmatized around the world.
Let's mobilize and gather stories from people and communities affected by the epidemic in order to hold governments accountable for the promises they made at UNGASS 2001. Send out a unified message to decision-makers before they decide on new priorities and promises. IT'S TIME FOR ACTION.
What can be done at your congregations:
- Expose what AIDS promises have NOT been kept by reviewing the Declaration of Commitment along with your country report (available at UNAIDS.org and UNGASSHIV.org, or contact UU-UNO now)
- Make a noise about what you think are priority AIDS issues in your community through press conference, rocal radio announcement etc.
- Organize candle light event to raise awareness within your community
- Involve young people! Request a free copy of the "Keep the Promise" teacher's resource
- Ensure that the US and Canadian government delegation understand the needs of people living with HIV, and know who the marginalized affected groups are. Contact your government representatives now!
See examples of actions in Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Malawi, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, The United Kingdom, and elsewhere.
Are you ready to take the initiative in your congregation and community?
Contact office@uu-uno.org for shadow reports (US, Canada and elsewhere) and position papers now!
