Penitentiary Complex of Papuda welcomes the I #ZeroDiscrimination International Films Exhibition

 

Brasília, 9 December, 2014 - Inmates and agents of the Penitentiary Complex of Papuda, in Brasília, had the chance to participate of the I #ZeroDiscrimination International Films Exhibition, by means of two cinema sessions that were held today on the Provisional Detention Centre (CDP). The chosen film was Dallas Buyers Club, which depicts the battle of a Texan electrician against prejudice, the pharmaceutical industry and doctors themselves after being diagnosed with HIV.

The #ZeroDiscrimination exhibition - which takes place in Brasília until 10 December - is coordinated by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and 12 diplomatic missions: Germany, Chile, Spain, United States, France, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Sweden and the European Union.

The two sessions foreseen for this Monday (8/12) were followed by a debate about the AIDS and Human Rights situation nowadays. The proposal represents an opportunity for dialogue with groups more vulnerable to the epidemic. The prison populations have increased vulnerability because it is formed mostly by young people, who have often dropped out the education system. In many cases, they are people who have already used drugs or were not properly informed about the risks of unprotected sex, for example.

"The profile of people deprived of liberty in Brazil now includes young people between 18 and 30 years old. These are people who have access to a dentist or who perform tuberculosis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections tests for the first time in prison" said Rafael Franzini, Representative of the UNODC Liaison and Partnership Office in Brazil. "Since 2013, UNODC conducts workshops like this to raise awareness among inmates and employees about these topics. And, this time, we are making this joint initiative with the international community to bring the #ZeroDiscrimination exhibition to this audience", he concludes.

There are still no national estimates, but specific studies have consistently shown that this is a population disproportionately affected by HIV. The Ministry of Health estimates that people deprived of liberty have 28 times more risk for tuberculosis than the general population - and this is the main cause of mortality among people living with HIV. In the case of people deprived of liberty, overcrowding, among other problems, increases vulnerability to infections such as HIV, tuberculosis and Hepatitis.

"Besides the movies, the #ZeroDiscrimination exhibition is also joined by the Freedom to Look photo exhibition, which was produced by inmates and correctional officers, showing this universe under their perspective and promoting a debate and a reflection on human rights" recalls Georgiana Braga-Orillard, UNAIDS director. "Just as they have brought the reality of prisons to the outside world, we want the exhibition to reach them somehow. And the screening of the film symbolizes this exchange", explains.

The #ZeroDiscrimination exhibition began on 1 December and will continue until December 10 in the capital. In all, the exhibition is showing 10 movies and documentaries from nine different countries. The award-winning American film Dallas Buyers Club opened the event with a session on 2/12, preceded by an opening ceremony and a debate. This screening in Papuda also has the support of the Motion Pictures Association - Latin America (MPA-LA), the main representative body of the world's largest film studios.

Photographic exhibitions

Two photographic exhibitions complement the I #ZeroDiscrimination International Films Exhibition. The "Freedom to Look" can be visited until the 10 December at the Casa Thomas Jefferson in Asa Sul. The photo exhibition shows the life and the reality of two prisons of Porto Alegre (RS) from the perspective of the people deprived of liberty and the employees. All photos shown were produced by inmates and employees of both prisons.

Another exhibition, TRANS[ver], by the photographer Fábio Rebelo, can be visited at the Aliança Francesa in Asa Sul, also until 10 December. The photos portray transvestites and transsexuals and the changes in their body, clothing and way of acting, as a way of naturally expressing that they are also people with rights and deserve to be seen and treated with respect.

Entrance is free both for the movies and for the exhibitions.

Further more:

Released worldwide by UNAIDS on 1 March, 2014, the #ZeroDiscrimination Initiative celebrates the right of everyone to a full and productive life with dignity, regardless of their origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or ethnicity. Joining voices, communities, individuals and societies, UNAIDS believes that we will be able to make the world a better place to live - every day and everywhere. The #ZeroDiscrimination seeks to show that everyone can be informed and touched to promote tolerance, compassion and peace.

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*With information of UNAIDS Brazil