The protection of the right of women under the African human rights system in light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic: a case study of Mozambique

Abstract

"This dissertation first explores specific issues highlighting the weaknesses in the legal provisions on women's rights and HIV/AIDS problems and its resulting effect on the obligation of African states to take adequate measures to protect women, especially those living with HIV/AIDS. Secondly, it examines, for purpose of meeting the first objective, into what is provided for by the African regional human rights system through the Charter provisions, declarations and resolutions relating to HIV/AIDS and the Protocol on the Rights of Women. Thirdly, the disseration inquires into the extent to which Mozambique is meeting its obligations to address the problem of discrimination against women and to provide health care to women living with HIV/AIDS. Finally, in the light of the lacunae found within the African regional human rights system in addressing women's rights and HIV/AIDS, this disseration will make recommendations to fill the void and better protect the rights of women in Africa, especially those living with HIV/AIDS. ... The study will consist of five chapters. Chapter one provides the context in which the study is set. It highlights the basis and structure of the study. Chapter two outlines specific issues on the inability of the various legal provisions on women's rights and HIV/AIDS to effectively protect women from the scourge of HIV/AIDS, Chapter three discusses the African regional human rights system. Here specific refernce is made to some provisions of the African Charter relating to the right of women as well as some declarations and resolutions on the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Also references is made to the Protocol on the Rights of Women. Chapter four highlights and addresses the gaps relating to the protection of women from HIV/AIDS in the African regional human rights system and finally chapter five will consist of a summary of the disseration and the conclusions drawn from the entire study. It will also make some recommendations as to how HIV/AIDS should be dealth with both at the regional level (the role of the African Commission) and at the domestic level (the role of the state) in relation to the violation of women's rights." -- Introduction.