Elton John backs study of refugees with HIV
U of T will use $75,000 grant to probe how Canadian policy affects vulnerable newcomers
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is funding a University of Toronto study into how recent changes to Canada’s refugee policies affect people who are living with or at risk of acquiring HIV.
The $75,000 grant was announced this week by the singer’s longtime partner and now husband from Toronto, David Furnish.
“As chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and as a Canadian, I am pleased to see the University of Toronto’s International Human Rights Program take the lead in advocating on behalf of HIV-positive refugee claimants seeking a better life in Canada,” said Furnish.
“The foundation is proud to support this unique project, which is poised to bring about positive changes in policy, break down stigma and hold Canada accountable for its obligation to protect the human rights of vulnerable refugees.”
The program, housed in the university’s law faculty, is an apt recipient of the grant. It has long advocated for people affected by HIV, including African grandmothers raising children orphaned by AIDS and persecuted sexual minorities.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s new refugee policies are threatening to undermine our reputation.” RENU MANDHANE U OF T HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND LAWYER
Program director and lawyer Renu Mandhane said the research will use Syria and Mexico as case studies and aim to explore policy changes that would help refugees with HIV or at risk of acquiring it to rebuild their lives here and access necessary medical treatment without fear.
“Canada has historically been a leader in terms of protecting those fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or HIV status,” said Mandhane.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s new refugee policies are threatening to undermine our rep- utation. It’s critical that Canada continue to show leadership in terms of protecting these very vulnerable individuals.”
Petra Molnar is among a group of U of T law students who will participate in the research and advocacy.
“These refugee claimants face a unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities when claiming asylum,” she said.
“It is imperative that their experiences with resettlement and the asylum process are critically explored, so that appropriate policy and laws can be implemented.”
Mandhane said the project was developed with input from other community groups, including the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, HIVAIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario, the Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment and the Refugee Law Office, as well as researchers in Lebanon and Canada.
A final report and recommendations are to be released this fall.