Ghana HIV activists denied Brazil visas

Rightify Ghana has expressed “profound disappointment” with the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana over its handling of visa applications submitted by Ghanaian HIV activists, community leaders, and LGBTQI+ human rights defenders seeking to attend the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro.

The organisation said several applicants who received conference scholarships and official invitations were refused visas despite submitting extensive documentation and meeting the requirements for their applications.

Others were given visa appointment dates after the conference would have ended, making their participation impossible.

AIDS 2026, which runs from 26 to 31 August, is the world’s largest gathering on HIV and AIDS. It brings together people living with HIV, community advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, funders, and civil society organisations to share knowledge and advance the global HIV response.

In a statement, Rightify Ghana said the timing of the barriers was particularly damaging given the current global climate for HIV programmes.

“At a time when HIV programmes are facing severe funding challenges and uncertainty, the meaningful participation of communities most affected by HIV is more important than ever,” the organisation said.

Some applicants also reported that the Embassy did not proactively communicate decisions on their applications, leaving them to repeatedly follow up before receiving information about the outcome.

“Many have described this as one of the most disappointing and frustrating visa application experiences they have encountered,” Rightify Ghana said.

‘No special treatment’ sought

The organisation emphasised it was not asking for preferential treatment.

“We are not asking for special treatment. We recognise that every country has the sovereign right to determine its visa policies and assess applications according to established procedures,” the statement read.

“However, applicants deserve a process that is transparent, timely, respectful, and professionally managed—especially when they are attending a globally recognised public health conference through official invitations and scholarships.”

Rightify Ghana, which advocates for LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana, said the visa failures had directly affected the participation of community leaders and human rights defenders “whose voices are essential in global conversations about HIV prevention, treatment, care, and community-led responses”.

The organisation noted that Brazil has long been recognised as a champion of human rights, dignity, and inclusion, citing the country’s nationwide legal recognition of same-sex marriage since 2013 and legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“It is therefore deeply disappointing that the conduct of the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana did not reflect these values,” Rightify Ghana said.

“The experiences shared by many applicants demonstrate a process that fell short of the openness, professionalism, and respect expected from a country with Brazil’s human rights commitments.”

Call for review

Rightify Ghana called on the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana to review its visa processes for participants attending international conferences and humanitarian events.

The organisation also urged relevant Brazilian authorities to ensure that diplomatic missions uphold Brazil’s commitments to human rights, equality, and meaningful participation of affected communities.

“Diplomatic missions have an important role in strengthening international cooperation, particularly in global health and human rights,” the statement said.

“When community advocates, HIV activists, and human rights defenders are prevented from participating in international platforms because of avoidable administrative barriers, it weakens the global HIV response and excludes the voices of those most affected.”

AIDS 2026 conference organisers have advised delegates to apply for visas at least three months before the conference, noting that “delegates are not automatically entitled to a visa” and that the decision to grant a visa lies solely with the Brazilian government.

Rightify Ghana concluded: “Communities affected by HIV deserve respect, dignity, and equal opportunities to contribute to the global response. They should not face unnecessary barriers when seeking to participate in spaces created to address the very issues affecting their lives.”