International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
16 May 2010
The annual Candlelight Memorial continues as the longest running public event for HIV and AIDS awareness since inception in 1983 and is still the largest grassroots movement against HIV, spreading hope, and uniting countries and communities to honour and remember loved ones and compatriots who have died of AIDS, and to demonstrate support for those living with HIV and AIDS.
The Theme for this world wide event is “Many Lights for Human Rights” which is meant to promote both global solidarity and the need for collective action around HIV and human rights. The theme captures the collective movement of the Candlelight to move to action in the drive for access to treatment, care, and prevention, in addition to the elimination of stigma and discrimination. It also aligns with the UNAIDS 2009 World AIDS Day theme of “Universal Access & Human Rights”.
The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations.
Prayer
God of all the nations, so many of your children are crying out to you
worn down by injustice and suffering.
Help us to fulfil our goal of helping to make real the vision
that Christ spoke of as ‘the kingdom of God’
where justice reigns.
Help us to foster compassion one for another,
tolerating damage to no one and oppression by no system.
As we lit a candle remembering those living with HIV
and those who have passed on at this time
may we use all our energy and imagination
and trusting in your steadfast love
be united in conquering disease and fear.
