As
Chair of the IPU Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS and Maternal, Newborn and Child
Health, Ms. Libby Davies, M.P., was invited by Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary
General of the IPU, to represent the IPU at the Parliamentary meeting of the XX
International Conference in Melbourne, Australia. The following is an
extract of the report Ms. Davies provided to the Canadian Group of the IPU upon
her return.
Report on the Parliamentary Meeting at the XX AIDS
Conference, Melbourne, July 21, 2014, and AIDS Conference, July 19-24
I very much appreciate that the IPU Geneva and IPU
Canada gave me the opportunity to participate in the AIDS Conference, and the
Parliamentary Session that was held.
The AIDS conference involved about 14,000
delegates in a very impressive venue at the Melbourne Convention
Centre.
I was fortunate to attend the opening ceremony on July
19, at which Minister Ambrose was also present, along with Canadian officials.
Sadly, the tragic events of the Malaysian Airlines crash, which included 6
delegates including a former president of the IAS, meant that many people
experienced grief and loss. It was reflected in the speeches and comments at
the opening ceremony.
I attended the conference each day and attended
workshops, and participated in the "Global Village" events. It was
inspiring to see many Canadians participate as panelists and delegates. I made
sure to connect with as many as I could. Of particular note was one workshop
that showcased the researches of the special edition of the Lancet Journal, on
sex work and HIV. Three of the 6 researches were Canadian.
It was also a highlight to hear Bill Clinton and the
work of his foundation to eradicate HIV/AIDS. He inspired us all.
The IPU Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS - MNCH Health met
on Tuesday morning, July 21. As chair of this group I was able to assist
the members of the group develop a work plan for the coming year. We have an
ambitious plan that includes field visits; research; information sharing; and
preparing for the UN meeting in 2016 on HIV/AIDS; and the next IAS in Durban,
South Africa. Representatives from WHO, Global Fund, UNAIDS, UNDP, also
attended our Advisory Group meeting.
In the afternoon IPU with UNAIDS and UNDP hosted its
Parliamentary Meeting at the State Parliament of Victoria. The attendance
was excellent (approximately 40-50 MPs). The keynote presenters were well
received, including, Deputy ED UNAIDS; the head of UNDP; and ED of UNAIDS; and
Senior Government Relations of the Global Fund. The presentations focused
on the direction of the global AIDS response; the state of the epidemic;
the role of Parliamentarians; and follow up work needed. A summary of the
session is enclosed (Annex A). I was fortunate to be a panel respondent in
this session and also gave the concluding summary for follow up.
The session was very inter-active and the discussion
focused on the key role that Parliamentarians can play to raise awareness on
HIV/AIDS, particularly concerning key populations that are at risk. It
is critical for Parliamentarians to be in a leadership role in their
country/community to help combat stigma, discrimination, and harmful policies
and legislation. The IPU plays a critical role in this regard, by supporting
Parliamentarians to better understand the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the political
leadership that is required to attain the vision of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
At the conclusion of the special Parliamentary
Session, the Global Fund hosted a reception for Parliamentarians in the State
Parliament. Unfortunately, this was the same night as the Canadian
reception across town, hosted by the Minister, who was aware why I couldn't
attend the Canadian event.
Respectfully submitted,
Sen. Salma Ataullahjan Chair, Canadian Group of the
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)