Sana S, Traore P, Ouedraogo C, Kanon S, Fages V, Reeler A, Richardson J; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeE6885.
Ministry of Justice, Court of Bobo Dioulasso, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Issues: HIV/AIDS is increasing the numbers of widows and orphans in Burkina Faso limiting access to resources and exposing them to conditions of abuse and lack of legal protection. Description: Since 2002, Axios, funded by Step Forward, Abbott Laboratories Fund, has implemented a program for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and widows in Bobo-Dioulasso and Peni. In addition to education, health, and basic needs, the program provides legal assistance to widows and orphans. Activities include awareness raising in communities on the rights of children, orphans and widows and provision of legal services through community visits by lawyers. The program is extending program reach and addressing policy issues. Out of 1,040 OVC identified in the project area, 24% (241 OVC) required legal assistance (up to November 2003). This table summarizes the type of cases which required legal assistance. Lessons learned: Nearly one out of 4 OVC requires legal assistance. Most legal assistance cases involving OVC were paternal orphans (84%). The majority of cases were solved in community and only 39% transferred to tribunal. Legal assistance gives many returns including protecting widows and children's rights, improving OVC conditions and preventing HIV transmission by decreasing forced marriages, providing birth certificates, organizing collective weddings. [table: see text] Recommendations: Legal assistance is a critical intervention in care and OVC programs. Future program strategies need to examine the legal needs of OVC and widows.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Burkina Faso
- Child
- Foster Home Care
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Helping Behavior
- Human Rights
- Humans
- Marriage
- Research
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102284795
From Meeting Abstracts