gender and HIV-AIDS, and the impact of COVID-19 on human trafficking

Two online consultations were recently hosted and organised by CCA.

One was on the theme 'Towards an Effective Advocacy on HIV and AIDS for Upholding Dignity of Gender and Sexual Minorities' which was held virtually from 24 to 25 March 2022. The Asia region is home to an estimated 5.8 million people living with HIV in 2019 (UNAIDS Report, 2020). Structural factors, such as stigma, discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity and the criminalization of same-sex sexual practices, contribute to hindering the availability, access, and uptake of HIV prevention, testing and treatment services among gay men and other men who have sex with men. Removing discrimination and prejudice against vulnerable groups and thereby ensuring that the widest possible information regarding safe sex practices, health services and HIV prevention and treatment measures is accessible to the people who need it most.

About 31 participants from different countries across Asia and beyond attended the online consultation. The participants emphasised on the importance of addressing human sexuality in a comprehensive manner to have effective HIV programmes in churches. The five presenters and resource people for the consultation included Rev Tony Franklin-Ross; who spoke on the issues of gender, toxic masculinity, ‘texts of terror’ in relation to gender based violence, and Gender-transformative approaches within the HIV response, focusing on Gender Dimensions in HIV programming. Further information can be found at: https://www.cca.org.hk/news-and-events/upholding-dignity-of-gender-and-sexual-minorities-must-be-priority-when-designing-hiv-and-aids-programmes-within-churches/

The second, ‘Effects of COVID-19 on Trafficking in Persons’ was held on 29–30 March 2022. The online Consultation, which was attended by over thirty participants from across Asia, focused on issues such as the gendered nature of trafficking in Asia, the situation of labour trafficking, and the importance of comprehensive prevention and response strategies. The Consultation also offered a platform for the participants and resource persons to share innovations, best practices, and strategies of resilience and adaptation in ongoing anti-trafficking ministries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Mathews George Chunakara, the General Secretary of the CCA, highlighted the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened human flows and migration, pushing people into vulnerability and into risk of being trafficked: “Human trafficking has been identified as the fastest growing criminal activity in the world today. The magnitude of this heinous crime is difficult to quantify and is often underestimated given its insidious and complex nature, which is only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Further information can be found at: https://www.cca.org.hk/news-and-events/effects-of-covid-19-on-trafficking-in-persons-was-focus-of-ccas-regional-consultation/

Mission and Ecumenical Board
[Acting] Director: Rev. Tony Franklin-Ross
mm-e@methodist.org.nz
www.methodist.org.nz/mahi/mme