Information on whether there is a requirement that male homosexuals carry a card attesting that they have undergone an AIDS test and on the bearer's whether this card carries picture and whether there are penalties if the card is not carried [VEN19437.E]

In a telephone interview on 6 January 1995, a researcher at a Venezuelan human rights organization (PROVEA) stated that she was not aware of a requirement for male homosexuals to carry a card attesting that they have undergone an AIDS test. However, this source indicated that some Venezuelan businesses require their employees to take such a test.

A Venezuelan lawyer in Caracas, who represents homosexuals, indicated in a telephone interview that he was not aware of a requirement for male homosexuals to carry a card attesting that they have undergone an AIDS test (6 January 1995). The source added that although homosexuality is not illegal in Venezuela, homosexuals are often discriminated against, especially when they have to deal with local authorities in rural areas.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.

References


Lawyer specializing in human rights, Caracas. 6 January 1995. Telephone interview.

Programa Venezolano de Educación-Acción en Derechos Humanos (PROVEA), Caracas. 6 January 1995. Telephone interview with researcher.