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UN agency concerned about detention of AIDS activists in Nepal

UN agency concerned about detention of AIDS activists in Nepal

Human Rights
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) today voiced concern about the recent detention and reported mistreatment of nearly 40 people in Nepal working for an organization that helps sexual minorities to deal with the disease.

The Nepalese police arrested 39 members of the Blue Diamond Society on 9 August and none have since been released.

In a statement issued today, UNAIDS said it "fully supports" the work of the Blue Diamond Society – a non-governmental organization (NGO) – with sexual minorities on HIV prevention, care and support as well as human rights issues.

UNAIDS has conveyed its concern over the detentions to the Government of Nepal and has called on the authorities to ensure that NGOs in the country continue to provide much-needed HIV services in an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation where the human rights of all are respected.