“…The basis of discrimination

Foreword
“…The basis of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is fear, and this fear comes mostly from
wrong or distorted information… so, our first step had to be to correct misunderstandings about how HIV is
transmitted…”, says Franciscus, a young medical student from Indonesia, interviewed in this kit.
Indeed, when and where misinformation, taboos, prejudice and fear regarding HIV/AIDS predominate,
fundamental human rights are repeatedly abused and violated. Young people are often those most
vulnerable and exposed. At the same time and as shown in this kit, many young people are demonstrating
their commitment to take up the challenge and reverse this situation successfully.
The last couple of years of the epidemic have confirmed the tremendous potential of young people to
change the course of the epidemic. They are a powerful force for change in their own households, in the
lives of their peers, and in the community.
Yet, much more is needed. We therefore hope that this kit will provide young people with information,
motivation and inspiration to undertake the creative, daring and crucial action needed to make respect
for human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS become a reality for all.