Cases, Solidarity Action Grabbing International Attention

Namibia HIV women sue over forced sterilisation
BBC – 01 June 2010
Three women in Namibia are suing the state for allegedly being sterilised without their informed consent after being diagnosed as HIV positive.

3 Namibian women with HIV say they were sterilized
The Associated Press – 02 June 2010
Supporters of three HIV-positive women in Namibia who say they were sterilized without their consent held protests to support the women’s decision to sue the government, a legal aid group said Wednesday.

Forced Sterilisation trial Begins in Namibia
RFI – 01 June 2010
Three landmark trials have begun in the Namibian capital Windhoek after a group of women said they were sterilised by the state without their consent.The women went in for Hiv tests in two public hospitals and, after testing positive, they were allegedly sterilised without their full and informed consent.

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First Cases Head to Court Soon

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
Windhoek, 20 May 2010

Three women living with HIV who are seeking compensation for the alleged sterilision without their informed consent are scheduled to have their cases heard in the High Court of Namibia on June 1 to 4.

In a show of solidarity with the women, a coalition of civil society organisations from across southern Africa are planning to lead several events to coincide with the dates of the court case. Hospital sit-ins, a mass march of support, a petition hand-over and demonstrations at Namibian embassies in Zambia and South Africa are intended.

The three cases are the first of 15 that will be heard on the merits. The women are asking for compensation for this alleged violation of their human rights.

In 2007, reports emerged that women living with HIV seeking medical care were allegedly subjected to sterilisation without their knowledge or informed consent in state hospitals.

The campaign partners call on all Namibians and civil society organisations to join the planned events to end the alleged involuntary sterilisation of women living with HIV in Namibia. More information about the various activities will be released as the court dates draw closer.

Campaign Partners:
Legal Assistance Centre, Namibia Women’s Health Network, AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa, Women’s Solidarity Namibia, Women’s Leadership Centre, Sister Namibia, Southern Africa Litigation Centre, and Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa.

Article in the Huffington Post

The Campaign is starting to get wider attention. Have a look at the article which appeared in the Huffington Post last week: Namibia Women Face Forced Sterilization