Who can use the AIDSLaw Clinic? Our clients are people living with or affected by HIV who have experienced discrimination of any kind because of their HIV status. The Clinic’s focus is predominantly on workplace issues, however Clinic staff are happy to discuss any issues related to HIV-based discrimination.
Do clients have to pay for the Clinic’s services
No! The Clinic’s services are completely free of charge.
What happens at the Clinic?
When clients arrive at the Clinic one of our Clinic staff will take time to get to know the client and understand their situation. All our staff have been trained in counseling skills to help clients feel at home.
Clients may be asked to complete a short questionnaire about themselves and their experience. All information collected will be kept absolutely confidential. If clients are unable to read or write, Clinic staff will help them to fill out the questionnaire. Once the Clinic staff member has a clear understanding of each case, s/he will explain to the client what will happen next. Clients may need to provide some documents, or together with the Clinic staff organise a negotiation session with the employer or organisation who has violated the client’s rights.
If I want to come to the Clinic what should I do?
People who feel that they have suffered discrimination due to their actual or perceived HIV status are welcome to visit the ZARAN AIDSLaw Clinic for advice and information. Clients can either drop-in or make an appointment. First time clients are encouraged to bring with them any paperwork, documents or evidence that might explain and/or support their case.
How is privacy protected?
Only Clinic staff have access to clients’’ personal information. Before they can start working, all of ZARAN’s staff must sign a confidentiality agreement, so privacy is assured.
Are the AIDSLaw Clinic staff lawyers?
The work of the Clinic is directed by a lawyer who supervises a team of competent paralegals and students from the University of Zambia. All Clinic staff are trained to handle legal issues covering areas including employment and labour. The Clinic also has the support of two legal practitioners who sit on the ZARAN Board of Trustees. They give ZARAN staff legal guidance and input on some of the cases in the Clinic.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases can be resolved without going to court. Most of the cases handled by the Clinic so far have been resolved through negotiation without going to court. However if Clients need to appear in court the Clinic staff will put them in touch with a lawyer who will represent them. At the moment ZARAN’s Clinic staff do not represent clients in court. The opportunity for people living with HIV and AIDS to take legal action against people or businesses that discriminate on the basis of HIV status has been enabled through an agreement between ZARAN and the Legal Resources Foundation. The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding, is in place to support ZARAN in taking cases from its AIDSLaw Clinic into the courts for resolution. Where a client needs to go to court, this agreement will enable ZARAN Clinic staff to support clients from the initial meeting through to the completion of their case. Whilst the Legal Resources Foundation will do the actual litigation in court, ZARAN Clinic staff will be responsible for preparing any necessary briefings and carrying out any research and case work.
