Govt sluggish on HIV employment law

BONELA says that comments made in Parliament recently by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Peter Siele, to the effect that his ministry is still in the process of consulting relevant stakeholders in pursuit of the formulation of a policy on HIV in the workplace is unwarranted.

BONELA media advocacy officer, Doris Kumbawa says the minister's comments were misplaced as consultations are not necessary at this point because issues of HIV and employment are common cause around the world.  She said the continuing abuses in the workplace prompted BONELA to hand in a petition with over 13,000 signatures to the then Minister, Charles Tibone on September 14, last year for the government to enact as a matter of urgency an HIV Employment Law.