The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) has praised the Commonwealth Secretary General for his strong statement on 11 July that “vilification and targeting on ground of sexual orientation are at odds with the values of the Commonwealth.”

The Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Kamalesh Sharma, who was opening the 2011 Commonwealth Law Minsters meeting in Sydney, also highlighted the significance of last years Delhi High Court ruling that decriminalised homosexual acts.

AFAO Executive Director, Rob Lake, who is attending the Meeting as a Delegate for the international Commonwealth HIV & AIDS Action Group, praised Mr Sharma for his strong statement of support.

“It is encouraging to see the Commonwealth Law ministers beginning to discuss discrimination against transgender and gay and lesbian people and its effects,” Mr Lake said.

“We cannot forget that 30 per cent of the world’s population live in Commonwealth countries, yet 60 per cent of people with HIV do.

“Law and HIV have always been connected. Justice and security is not just about guns, it is about living in a country and a commonwealth that acknowledges and acts to enshrine our human rights; the right to health and to a life without discrimination and persecution.

“While it is fantastic to hear these statements from the highest levels within the Commonwealth, it is unfortunate that the topic is not on the agenda of this series of meetings which run until Thursday.

“We look forward to seeing these words transformed into actions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth in October.”

For media comment please contact Rob Lake on 0421 040 538