Kathmandu: A study by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed that individuals living with HIV/AIDS are being deprived of fundamental opportunities due to the lack of birth registration and citizenship.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the report highlights that both the infected individuals and their families are experiencing significant challenges. The study indicates that the spouses and children of those who have died from HIV/AIDS encounter difficulties in obtaining birth registration and citizenship documentation. This lack of official recognition hinders their ability to engage in business, secure employment, access healthcare insurance, and acquire immovable property.
The report specifically identifies the districts of Achham, Kailali, and Kapilvastu as areas where such problems are prevalent. Additionally, it underscores that the right to privacy for those infected is often not respected, resulting in social stigma and discrimination against them.
In a noteworthy case, a
schoolteacher in Gorkha district lost their job due to a breach of privacy related to their HIV status. The study further identifies returnee migrant workers from India, sex workers and their partners, and drug users as groups at a heightened risk of HIV infection.