teounare INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION ASYLUM DOCUMENTATION PROGRAM / SF P.O. Box 558, San Francisco, CA 94104-0558 USA Tel: (415) 398-2759 * Fax: (415) 398-4635 e-mail: asylum @iglhrc.org + website: www. iglhre.org IGLHRC / NY clo HRW, 350 Fifth Ave, 34" Floor, New York, NY 10118, USA. ¢e CURRENT UPDATE PACKET ¢ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR ASYLUM CLAIMS CHILE STATUS OF PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS Double sided pages: ‘The International Gay and Lesbian Human Fights Commission (IGLHAC) makes every efor! to ascertain the accuracy of the items contained in this packet which are products of its own research. Nevertheless, some of the information contained is based on research by third parties unconnected with IGLHRC. Accordingly, IGLHRC cannot assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information (contained in this packet obtained by these third parties. ‘The information contained in the packet was supplied solely for the purpose of supporting an asylum or immigration claim. This information cannot be used in any other way without the consent of IGLHRaainasyboletines com 20051082005 him uman) Rights Spanish) Network Informative) bulletin Issue # 72 — April 16, 2005 - Bogota, Colombia Chilean Banks require an AIDS test to process credit applications Santiago de Chile, La Prensa Austral — In addition to a credit history, those interested in getting loans must have an AIDS/HIV test done. This what some Chilean Banks are asking. For the population, this is a very discriminatory measure, although it is a guarantee for financial institutions to determine the possibility of collecting on the loan. The new banking requirement is strongly opposed by groups that promote the rights of people living with the virus. The measure in practice At the Banco de Chile everyone that applies for a loan exceeding US$150,000 must present an Elisa test. The bank pays for the costs of the test and they have agreements with different health centers. At the Banco de Credito e Inversiones, they require a test when the loan amount exceeds US$ 180,000. Corpbanca requires and Elisa test of the amount requested exceed US$119,000. Financial institutions researched by journalist stated that insurance companies suggested requiring the test and not the banks. Law 19779, Article 5 states: “The test to detect the human immunodeficiency virus will always be confidential and voluntary, written approval by the applicant or his/hers legal representative is required. The test will be performed to detect characteristics, nature and health consequences implied by the infection caused by said virus.” ExceptionsAccording to Karla Mufioz, Insurance Agent at the BancoEstado, they only, require a simple health statement by the applicant. If any illness is reported, lab tests are requested The Banco de Desarrollo doesn't require any kind of test either, unless the client states some illness. The opinions of each side José Manuel Barria, President of the group Amor, Vida y Esperanza (Love Life and Hope, AVAE, initials in Spanish), a not-for profit organization that works in HIV/AIDS prevention, said that he wasn't aware of these requirements and suggested a meeting between his organization and the corresponding authorities. “We have fought too much for the test to be personal and voluntary. The issue of AIDS stands out here but also Cancer. It also prevents progress. For example, | am a small businessman and they would be cutting my employment possibilities with this measure.” Said Mr. Barria Sergio Ruiz, official spokesperson for the Health Ministry seemed shocked by the measure and said that he would gather the necessary information to state an opinion about the issue The Health Ministry has been one of the organizations that has worked the hardest for people living with HIV/AIDS and has launched several campaigns to raise population awareness. The purpose being education and fight against new infections as well as end the stigma for those who live with this illness / sacko top