Rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)

Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO)

Under the DDO, PLHIV are protected against discrimination, harassment or vilification in the areas of employment, education, services and facilities, and clubs and sporting activities etc. This protection includes their families and associates. Please visit the Equal Opportunities Commission website for more information.

The followings are the rights of PLHIV:

Hospitals or clinics cannot refuse to treat people on the ground of having HIV/AIDS.
People with HIV/AIDS and their families have their equal rights to get access to welfare services under the same set of eligibility requirement, like any other citizen.
It is unlawful if people with HIV/AIDS are singled out to take an HIV antibody test by the employer who wants to confirm their HIV status.
It is unlawful for the employer to dismiss people with HIV/AIDS on the ground of their HIV status.
It is unlawful for colleagues to avoid, harass, or vilify him because of his HIV status.

In case that PLHIV feel discriminated, harassed or vilified, either directly or indirectly, they may seek assistance from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) or take the case to court. Upon request, the EOC will assist PLHIV in respect of the legal proceedings. Strict confidentiality is observed by the EOC. The telephone number of EOC is 2511 8211.

Apart from EOC, you may contact the local AIDS Organizations for their advice and assistance.