Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

MEMBERS OF the National AIDS Committee will on Wednesday outline their concerns about the proposed Charter of Rights Bill, now before a Joint Select Committee of Parliament.

Among the concerns that the committee is expected to raise are the protection of health rights and the issue of discrimination.

In a letter addressed to Senator A.J. Nicholson, chairman of the Joint Select Committee, said the proposed bill did not ensure that persons' health care rights are protected.

RIGHT OF ACCESS

"The bill in its present form does not guarantee the right of access to health care, neither does the present bill provide for protection against discrimination on grounds of health or disability," said the letter.

In a submission also handed in last week to the House, the AIDS Committee proposed that the bill be amended to include that persons has the right to health.

"We therefore submit that inclusion of the right to health would not only fulfil Jamaica's obligation under these various international instruments, but also strengthen the Government's legally binding commitment to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights of its citizens," the submission said.

AIDS committee members are arguing that the inclusion of health care issues in the charter was the first steps in ensuring that all Jamaicans fully realise the benefits of the rights or freedoms proposed by the bill.

The group is also proposing that the right to free tuition at the primary level should be included in the Charter of Rights Bill.

The group's submission was the last to be received by the committee. It is still not yet clear whether the committee will be accepting further submissions.