HIV Digest	HIV Digest Archive

An Eritrean seeking refugee status after attending last month's 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto is basing his claim to stay in Canada on persecution by Eritrean authorities, Francisco Rico, spokesperson for the Faithful Companions of Jesus Refugee Center representing the man, said recently.

Amanuel Tesfamichael, 32, is one of 137 conference delegates filing claims seeking refugee status. "He claims the government banned him from talking out about the AIDS situation. When he does, they threaten him," said Rico.

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esfamichael's claim may not be heard for at least seven months; meanwhile, he is staying at a hostel and receiving treatment. An attorney specializing in refugee petitions, Audrey Macklin, said HIV status per se cannot be the basis for a refugee claim. They must also have a legitimate fear of persecution or discrimination, said the University of Toronto law professor. Conference organizers said they worked closely with immigration officials and had no involvement facilitating refugee claims. Such claims after international conferences are not "AIDS-specific," said organizers, and should not discourage other countries from hosting such important events.

-- from Xtra, Toronto