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HIV/AIDS
& Human Rights
"The
goal of realizing human rights is fundamental to the global fight against
AIDS. And in a world facing a terrible epidemic - one that has already
spread further, faster and to more devastating effect than any other
in human history - winning the fight against AIDS is a precondition
for achieving rights worth enjoying."
- Dr Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director
Several years of experience in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic have
confirmed that the promotion and protection of human rights constitute
an essential component in preventing transmission of HIV, reducing vulnerability
to infection and the impact of HIV/AIDS.
However, in practice:
Fundamental human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, such as the
right to non-discrimination, equal protection and equality before the
law, privacy, liberty of movement, work, equal access to education,
housing, health care, social security, assistance and welfare, are often
violated based on their known or presumed HIV/AIDS status.
Lack of respect for human rights continues to increase vulnerability
to HIV infection of individuals and the whole society. Individuals or
groups who suffer discrimination and lack of human rights protection
are both more vulnerable to becoming infected and less able to cope
with the burdens of HIV/AIDS. Refugees, migrants, prisoners, men who
have sex with men, sex workers and injecting drug users may be more
vulnerable to contracting HIV because they often are unable to realize
their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Further,
gender inequalities spur on the spread of the epidemic and its disproportionate
impact on women.
The response to the HIV epidemic is hindered due to lack of enjoyment
of freedoms of speech and association; the right to information and
education by infected and affected groups, and the civil society at
large.
Respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights is central to the
AIDS agenda, and equally, HIV/AIDS needs to be at the centre of the
global human rights agenda.
Source:
UNAIDS website.
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