The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS (APPGA) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees are currently holding an inquiry to consider issues around HIV and migration to the UK.
The inquiry will report with recommendations for Ministers before the summer recess. Four sessions of oral evidence have been arranged as follows:
Tuesday 06 May 2003, 2:30pm-5.00pm Committee Room 18, House of Commons
This session will provide an introduction and review of current issues regarding migration and HIV. Topics to be addressed include: impact of current migration on public health, HIV testing upon entry to the UK and access to NHS treatment.
The speakers will include: The Public Health Laboratory Service, the National AIDS Trust, the African HIV Policy Network, United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), MEDFASH and the British Medical Association.
Thursday 08 May 2003, 2.30-5.00pm Committee Room 19, House of Commons
This session will cover how current government policy affects asylum seekers.Topics to be addressed include dispersal, detention/reception centres and accessing services and benefits.
The speakers will include: Immigration Law Practitioners Association, Terrence Higgins Trust and the North East Consortium for Asylum Support Services.
Tuesday 13 May 2003, 2.00-4.30pm Committee Room 19, House of Commons
This session will cover access to healthcare and treatment. Topics to be addressed: information access, support networks and cultural and language barriers.
Tuesday 20 May 2003, 9.30-12.00pm Committee Room 19, House of Commons
This session will cover integration into UK Society. Topics to be addressed: access to work, access to housing, access to education and ongoing issues in stigma and discrimination.
For further information contact Edwige Fortier, Policy Advisor to APPGA on 020 7219 6916 or visit www.appg-aids.org.uk