Alliance concerned about deteriorating LBGT environment in Tanzania

A man from behind waving a rainbow flag Frontline AIDS/Gemma Taylor 2017
Harassment and targeting of LGBT people carries a significant risk for Tanzania’s HIV response

International HIV/AIDS Alliance concern about the deteriorating environment for LGBT people in Tanzania

The International HIV/AIDS Alliance is deeply concerned about the deteriorating environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Tanzania after recent comments by a prominent politician. Following the comments, which were made in Dar es Salaam last week, international organisations have reported harassment and targeting of LGBT people across the country.

The worsening situation carries a significant risk for Tanzania’s HIV response. When human rights are undermined and people face stigma and discrimination, it becomes harder for them to access basic health services, including HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Robust evidence shows a strong link between HIV, stigma and respect for human rights.

The Alliance is working with regional and international partners to provide support to people affected by this situation. We also join international calls for the human rights of all people in Tanzania to be respected and protected and for those who advocate or perpetrate violations of those rights to be held to account.

This article was written as the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, before we changed our name to Frontline AIDS.

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