MONROVIA, October 8 (LINA)- The acting Focal Person of the Liberia National Police (LNP) HIV/AIDS Team has underscored the need for police officers to protect the rights of vulnerable people in society.
Chief Inspector H. Blanyon Himmie noted that the vulnerable include people living with HIV/AIDS, the disabled, aged, women and children.
Inspector Himmie made the call Wednesday in an interview with Liberia News Agency at a one-day intensive training for more than 50 police officers on sexual reproductive health issues concerning vulnerable people at a local hotel in Sinkor.
He indicated that people living with HIV/AIDS have been stigmatized, noting that they also have their rights which must be protected under the law by police officers.
According to Himmie, a recent survey conducted by the LNP HIV/AIDS Team has shown that stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/Aids is on the increase in the country.
Inspector Himmie stressed that it is the responsibility of police officers to guard the rights of gays, lesbians, HIV/AIDS victims and physically challenged people in the society.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Stop AIDS in Liberia, Stephen McGill, has said that it is essential to enhance the knowledge of police officers on sexual reproductive health and the rights of people in society.
Director McGill stressed that if Liberia should curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS, people’s rights should be respected under the law, noting that police officers are the enforcers of the law in the country.
LINACB/TSS/PTK/JKW