35 health of the family and to encourage this to be done socially by the appropriate institutions ». And so, certain measures are in the pipeline for the protection of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Central African Republic. Medical assistance is granted to destitute individuals infected by HIV/AIDS. With an infection rate of 15%, the CAR occupies the tenth position among the most infected countries in the world, and the first position among the most infected countries in the Central African sub-region. However, genuine political will is manifested through the putting in place of a programme of access to health care for individuals with anti-retro viral drugs (Law n°094/MSPP/CAB of the 23rd August 2004) establishing the National Programme of access to treatment by anti-retro viral drugs. It is important to point out that: - 240,000 individuals infected of whom 40,000 require anti-retro viral drugs; 1,800 patients are under anti-retroviral treatment without counting those who are obtaining this treatment privately, estimated at 400; 15,000 individuals benefit from treatment for opportunistic infections; 13,000 infected patients who have undergone bioliogical tests for the purpose of receiving anti-retroviral treatment. This mechanism has the objective of contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Central African Republic. A draft Bill for the protection of individuals living with HIV/AIDS is currently on the National Assembly’s Agenda for consideration. The organic text of the National Department of Public Health has been harmonised with the standards of the World Health Organisation to respond to this expectation. ´ 3/ The Right to Education and Culture: Article 17 of the Charter The present Charter, in its Article 17 stipulates « every individual has a right to eudcation. Every individual can take part freely in the cultural life of the community… . » Article 13 of the International Convention on economic, social and cultural rights confers on each individual the right to culture and advocates the direction of the latter towards the global development of man’s personality and his sens of dignity; as well as towards the strengthening of the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to the provisions of this instrument, culture should enable everyone to participate effectively in the activities of a free society, to re-affirm understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, races and ethnic or religious groups and to reinforce the efforts of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace.

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