Speaking about the state of human rights in the Free State, the Provincial Manager, Buang Jones, says victimisation of gays, lesbians, bisexual , and transgender people has come to their attention and the commission will soon be working with various government departments and NGO to promote the rights of the LGBTI community. 

This comes months after the Treatment Action Campaign lodged complaints with the Provincial Department of Health regarding a large number of HIV-infected people who are victimised and turned away at public health care facilities, based on their sexuality.

"We need to work closely with the Department of Health to educate public servants on how to treat people with dignity. We will be working with them and other NGOs to uphold the rights of gays and lesbians. There are people who still lack knowledge about the constitution and the Bill of Rights, so we need to educate them. Public servants also need to be educated on how to uphold the principle of Batho Pele," Jones added.

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