AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF LAW IN THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF RIGHTS OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA

By

Author

Presented To

Department of Law

ABSTRACT
In Nigeria since the first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in 1986, HIV prevalence has increase significantly. This increase has become very worrisome to the Nigerian society because large number of children who are living with HIV/AIDS suffers from discriminatory practices and stigmatization. The concerns for these maltreatments at various levels despite the existing laws on the protection of these children generally constitute the problem of this research work. The research is therefore aimed at examining the role of law in the protection and promotion of rights of children living with HIV/AIIDS in Nigeria, by analysing various provisions of international, regional and national laws regarding the subject matter of the study. However, part of the findings of this research work is that despite the availability of information on HIV/AIDS pandemic children with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria still faced a lot of challenges as it exposes them to different kind of discriminatory practises which include stigmatization, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, isolation, inaccessibility to health and public services and the Nigeria government has done little to protect and promote the right of these children. Also the existing laws that protect the rights of these children are inadequate and lack legal backing. The researcher concluded this work with recommendations that there was need to develop a national policy that will directly and effectively protect people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Also adequate legal protection should be given a great attention and consideration in relation to issue of protection of rights of children with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. In doing so, legislation and policies in relation to issue of children in the context of HI/AIDS should be enacted and the existing ones should be review. Creating awareness by involving journalist and lawyers be will a great help and also people with HIV/AIDS should be educated on the impact of HIV/AIDS and the Laws and Policies that are in their favour which will help them to enforce their rights. Finally, government should budget more on HIV/AIDS issues and regarding issues of discrimination and stigmatization a law should be put in place to prosecute anyone who so ever discriminates against people with HIV/AIDS. The sources of information relied upon for this research is relevant text materials, statues, judicial authorities, journals and internet materials.