Red Cross cannot work in isolation in the fight against discrimination

The Red Cross needs to work more closely with some of the most vulnerable groups in society, such as persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) if its programmes and activities are to be effective.”

This was the view of Jose Maria Di Bello, Director, HIV and AIDS Programming, Argentine Red Cross during the meeting of thematic group C – Community Promotion of Non-Discrimination and Respect for Diversity at the XVIII Inter-American Conference of the Red Cross on Tuesday.

He explained that while the Red Cross had some excellent programmes in HIV and AIDS, it needed to double up its efforts if it wanted to be known as the lead organization in the fight against the virus.

“We have excellent guidelines and strategies but sometimes in our actions we make mistakes that damage our response. We promote anti-stigma and non discrimination based on our seven fundamental principles, but sometimes we place emphasis on behaviours and not practices.”

Di Bello said it was also very important for the Red Cross to look within its own organization to boost the fight against discrimination. “It is often difficult for a person to react positively to any effort if they feel judged. I think that while the Red Cross has been quite good in their programming there is a need to look at some of our own discriminations.”

He explained that all our promotional activities should have a specific focus for each different vulnerable group and that we should do away with the “one size fits all” approach since it does not all always work.

“Every time we speak about a vulnerable population we should recognize that we require different strategies to address different types of vulnerabilities.”

Di Bello also called on the Movement to start including the community more in it efforts against anti-stigma and non discrimination to ensure a better response.

He concluded that a unified approach in the fight against anti-stigma. “The Red Cross needs to work more closely with other organizations such as the regional networks for people living with HIV. We cannot work in isolation.