COSATU was instrumental in setting up TAC and has fully supported its bold campaign for treatment for those living with HIV and AIDs. They have done more than any other organisation to highlight the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and mobilise public opinions on the urgent need for anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment to be rolled out to those in need as quickly as possible.

TAC has courageously taken on the government when it was dragging its feet on ARV provision and its court victories were a major factor in persuading the government to change its policy, and start to roll out ARVs. They are continuing to monitor the roll out and draw attention to areas where the medicines are not reaching the people who need them

We agree with Stephen Lewis, the UN special envoy on HIV/Aids in Africa, that it was "absolutely outrageous" for the TAC to be excluded, and that "the TAC is the single most credible non-governmental Aids organisation in the world. It carries enormous credibility with NGOs and governments and enjoys credibility with everyone - apart from the South African government."

The government is setting a dangerous precedent in barring civil society organisations from international forums because they have disagreed with them from time to time. The same fate could await COSATU, which has also had disagreements with government on some issues. We need organisations like the TAC precisely because they are prepared when necessary to challenge governments on behalf of the people.

COSATU calls for the government to reverse its decision and allow the TAC to be present in New York at the end of May. South Africa needs TAC, and the world has the right to hear their important contribution to the international debate on how to defeat this deadly epidemic.