South Africa: "International Dialogue on Gender, Sexuality, and HIV/AIDS

ARC International and the Coalition for African Lesbians (CAL) is excited to announce an international conference entitled "International Dialogue on Gender, Sexuality, and HIV/AIDS: Strengthening Human Rights Responses in Africa and around the globe ."

A number of domestic, regional and international organisations are working in collaboration to present this conference from December 6th â€" 10th, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (A brief description of the sponsoring organisations is below.) By hosting this years Dialogue in South Africa, we acknowledge the constitutional and legal victories that have been achieved in this country, and encourage the government to embrace these ideals within their own borders, and act in a leadership capacity within the region to advance human rights for all people.

Registration and an informal opening/meet and greet will happen on the evening of December 6 th. The conference will then be divided into three units of activity:

Unit 1: Developed by and for African LGBT activists. Some thematic areas already identified include: participation in the African Commission, domestic litigation in key countries, equipping activists with communication tools, and taking forward current programming with the region. (An open consultation process for this unit has begun; African activists wishing to have input into this part of the programming are encouraged to contact: [email][email protected])

Unit 2: Building on similar dialogues held in Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, and South Korea, some of the themes of this International Dialogue include: international strategies regarding UN Human Rights Council and other UN bodies; shadow reporting for regional and international human rights mechanisms; engaging NGOs around the Yogyakarta Principles; building effective coalitions and alliances; and strengthening organisational capacity. It is intended to promote dialogue between activists from around the globe and allies with the LGBT movement. (Input regarding this portion of the agenda can also be sent to: [email][email protected])

Unit 3: Regional Launch of Yogyakarta Principles and Public Event to commemorate International Human Rights Day (December 10 th).

It is also anticipated that there will be some engagement with government officials and political mobilisation over the course of the Dialogue.

We hope to be able to accommodate approximately 55-60 participants from around the world. The participants will be comprised of stakeholders in the international arena (NGOs, academics, and funding organisations) from all geographic regions, particularly those with some experience in advancing human rights regionally and/or internationally.

We invite you to apply by October 24, 2007 using the form below.

In terms of funding, our priority is to attempt to assist selected delegates facing barriers to participation, for example those from Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America. Assisting might mean direct funding through us, or facilitating individual delegates to approach their own regional funding sources. We are still in the process of fundraising for conference activities and interpretation/translation, and any assistance that individuals and organisations can provide, including letters of support, would be most appreciated.