THE New Amsterdam and Linden Municipalities embarked on the Urban Health & Justice Initiative (HIV CITIES Project) to support the Government of Guyana in its reduction of HIV amongst key populations. The project is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The Mayor of the New Amsterdam Municipality and the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Linden Municipality will affirm their commitment by signing their individual Municipal Declaration at a signing ceremony at the Umana Yana, today.
In 2011, UNDP Guyana Country Office (CO) began implementation of the Urban Health and Justice initiative, also called the CITIES Project, in two municipalities in Guyana, Georgetown and New Amsterdam. During the initial phase an assessment of the two townships was conducted and work plans developed.
Several successes have evolved out of this initiative which was launched in October, 2013 and has resulted in a firm commitment from the two participating municipalities to issue a Municipal Declaration committing to upholding the Human Rights of all persons within their Municipalities with a focus on Key Populations.
The following is the declaration that will be signed:-
This Municipal Declaration of the Mayor and Councilors of the Town of New Amsterdam and Linden reflect the fundamental principle of respect for the human rights of all those who suffer from stigma and discrimination and reaffirms the spirit of the universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support under a human rights frame as we collectively work towards getting to Zero.
In this its first declaration on HIV and AIDS, the Mayor and Town Council shall:
** Work with all local and national stakeholders to strengthen partnerships on HIV and AIDS
** Support and Promote 24 hours access to HIV Counselling and Testing
** Renounce stigma and discrimination against persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS at all levels – schools, workplace and community
** Respect the dignity and worth of every person, without distinction on the basis of race, colour, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, religion, property, birth or other status
** Renounce homophobia and support the rights and dignity of all persons regardless of their gender, sexuality or employment to care, treatment and support as human rights
** Encourage the participation of all stakeholders within the municipality in the decision making process.