Cultural practices and human rights implications on HIV/AIDS discrimination and other related issues in Nigeria

Abstract

In today’s fact changing world law is generally acknowledged as a veritable instrument for the extension of liberties in all societies including Nigeria. In all these societies, the most overwhelming concern in the 21st century is the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Before now, the critical concern by governments and organization around the world have been the social, economic and psychological effects of HIV/AIDS as ‘a global emergency and one of the most formidable challenges to human life and dignity, and the active enjoyment of human rights, which undermines social and economic developments throughout the world and effects all levels of society. In the world over considerable efforts are being made to tackle this endemic disease headlong, because of its economic, social and cultural adverse impact in the life of nations. One of such meaning of tackling the disease is through the enactment of legislations on the subject. For instance Nigerian government recently enacted HIV/AIDS Anti – Discrimination Act, 2014 among other laws and policies to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS in the country. The focus of this paper is to use the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act, 2014, to justify the enactment of national legislation on AIDS in Nigeria with particular reference to gender discrimination law and human rights. Consequently, this paper will highlight the challenges facing the efforts of the government on HIV/AIDS issues and lastly some recommendations will be proffered

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Cultural Practices, Human Rights, Discrimination, Nigeria