Beijing Conference Discusses Obstacles to HIV/AIDS Compensation Suits

Some 30 lawyers, HIV workers, reporters, and plaintiffs in current lawsuits gathered in Beijing February 24 to discuss issues arising in compensation suits in which HIV/AIDS has been transmitted through transfusions or contaminated blood products. The group examined the hardships that victims have in asserting such claims, particularly in collecting evidence. It also noted that judges delay rulings in these compensation cases without a legal rationale, have difficulties in fixing damages, and frequently find that administrative authorities interfere in the judicial process. Yet the government has the duty to stand behind judicial awards in these cases, it said.