Petrelis Files

HRW's AIDS Blog and "Victims"

Conor Fortune
Communications Associate
Human Rights Watch
New York, NY

Dear Mr. Fortune,

Several days ago I blogged about HRW's AIDS blog and use of the term "victim" to describe people with AIDS.

I would like to know who I need to contact at HRW regarding the following questions:

1. Why does HRW use "victim" when writing about people living with HIV/AIDS on the group's blog?

2. Is HRW not aware that many, if not all, people with HIV and AIDS, consider the term "victim" offensive and adds to the stigma surrounding the disease and people with it?

3. Will HRW apologize for using the word "victim" on its AIDS blog?

4. Who at HRW is responsible for that blog?

5. Can HRW remove "victim" from the AIDS blog and replace it with people living with HIV/AIDS?

A prompt reply is requested and appreciated.

Best regards,
Michael Petrelis
Person Living with AIDS
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267

Sources:
HRW AIDS blog,
My blog post about HRW's use of "victim"