UN Lauds Lankan court's ban on HIV discrimination

The United Nations has welcomed a landmark ruling by Sri Lanka's highest court prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV in education, saying the judgment would set a precedent and help victims seek justice for other forms of prejudice.

Ruling on a case involving a 5-year-old boy who was denied admission to school because he was believed to be HIV-positive, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court last week said children living with or affected by HIV have the full right to education.

The court also reminded the government of its obligation to take steps to protect, promote and respect the human rights of people living with HIV.

"This is a great day for social justice," said Steve Kraus, director of the UNAIDS Asia and the Pacific support team, in a statement this week. "Sri Lanka's highest court has stood up in support of people who are being left behind. From now on, no child can be denied access to education based on HIV."

The United Nations said the April 28 ruling would set a precedent on the Indian Ocean island, and that victims would now be able to challenge HIV discrimination in other areas such as in accessing health, employment and housing.