Also available in: Español
Source: Corresponsales Clave
By Diego Mora, with the support of Adolfo Ruiz.
Yesterday, the Latin American community, very little in this conference, held an informal meeting with the participation of UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America, Cesar Nunez. *
By: Corresponsales Clave
Key words: #AIDS2016, Latin America, , LAC, Mobilization of Resources, Civil Society
By Diego Mora, with the support of Adolfo Ruiz.
Key topics on the participation of Latin America in this type of events were discussed, events where the advancements of the epidemics are dealt with and future strategies are built; likewise a report was given about what happened at the high level meeting in New York, prior to AIDS2016.
César Nuñez from UNAIDS, participated at an informal meeting of Latin American Delegates at AIDS2016
César Nuñez from UNAIDS, participated at an informal meeting of Latin American Delegates at AIDS2016
Regarding the latter, it was stated that it is complicated to work from civil society when one arrives to these meetings and the declaration has already been prepared, much more, if we bear in mind that the representation from governments do not take civil society into account and even less its opinions, although there were previous meetings before the HLM to influence what the Latin American governments were going to say and the non-negotiable points in the declaration.
This situation created discomfort among civil society that is increasingly more fragmented, and there is the perception that there was a move from some leaders to carry out their plans and show power at these meetings, and of course, of governments that want resources but to impact other agendas and look away from key populations.
Regarding the latter, Cesar Nunez stated that the resources scarcity is evident and that we must work on it, because what is happening now will worsen. In addition, he stated that country contributions are being allocated to other topics, such as the migration in Europe, where it is shown that the international cooperation is currently inclined to support “humanitarian” issues.
He also called for unity of civil society in Latin America, for jointly work in the mobilization, which has to be not only social but also political, in order to get resources for the response to HIV.
Latin American Delegates at AIDS2016.
Latin American Delegates at AIDS2016
Mary Ann Torres, ICASO executive director, was also present and talked about the HLM in New York. Almost like a complaint and with great indignation, she stated that one of the conclusions of that meeting was the lack of transparency for the selection process, with decisions that are closing the opportunities to civil society, it was so much so, that even BanKi Mon apologized publicly on this fact. Torres also said that another problem is the fragmentation of civil society, situation that was also mentioned by Orangelis Thomas spokeswomen of the region at the HLM.
Among other topics, the critical situation of Venezuela and possible impact on Latin America was discussed; a work team was created to begin strategic actions to show the union of the whole region in favor of the Venezuelan people and the response to the epidemics.
During the International Conference AIDS2016, it was shown once more that there is no recognition to Latin America and the Caribbean in these meetings, that is why it is time to think in Amsterdam and to build spaces that include the region and the Spanish language; although there were divided opinions on the subject, given that if we have to attend this type of conferences to speak as Latin American civil society, we are in serious trouble; that explains why the importance of considering regional spaces was mentioned.
Finally, teams were created to work on topics such as the situation of Venezuela, upcoming conferences and the coordination of already existing youth work with key populations.
*This article is published in cooperation with Bogotá Rosa.