GENEVA, 17 July 2013—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) condemns the killing of Eric Ohena Lembembe, the Executive Director of the Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS (CAMFAIDS). Mr Lembembe was an outspoken activist for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.
UNAIDS asks the Cameroonian Government to pursue a thorough investigation into the death of Mr Lembembe.
UNAIDS remains gravely concerned about numerous reports of violence and death threats against LGBTI people in Cameroon. UNAIDS urges the Government to send a clear message that violence, homophobic and discriminatory acts will not be tolerated.
It is unacceptable that in many countries people are subject to violence or the threat of violence because of their sexual orientation or perceived HIV status. Respect for human rights is essential in ensuring that all people have access to HIV services.
Mr Lembembe was an important partner in the AIDS response. UNAIDS and the Joint UN team on AIDS in Cameroon worked closely with Mr Lembembe and CAMFAIDS on human rights issues and on ensuring access to HIV prevention services for key populations.
UNAIDS extends its sincere condolences to Eric Lembembe’s family and friends.
UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
