Around 1.6 million children were orphaned by AIDS in 1997. As they enter adolescence, girls and boys are now among those at the highest risk of HIV infection as a result of engaging in unprotected sex and of sharing contaminated needles while injecting drugs. Children infected with HIV are exposed to stigma and discrimination resulting in denial of their rights to basic care and services. The sickness and premature death of one or both parents from AIDS often result in children being relocated from their homes and their health being compromised. In addition, some are exposed to abuse and exploitation.
Children suffering from extreme poverty, violence and neglect are the most vulnerable.
Girls and boys need to understand how to help take charge of their own lives - to protect themselves and others from the virus in situations of risk. We must furthermore enable them to become true participants in our efforts to combat this epidemic, for they are an essential part of the solution. A key general principle of the Convention is also that of participation - the right of children to be heard and to have their aspirations and needs reflected in decisions affecting their future. The conclusions and recommendations of the session will, it is hoped, help promote the rights of children in the context of HIV and AIDS and to expand the involvement of AIDS service, human rights and development organizations in the process of monitoring child rights.