Laws and policies that relate to HIV should, by their very nature, support and advance the agenda for prevention as well as treatment, care and support. They should also guarantee and protect the human rights of communities and individuals at the forefront of the epidemic.
Yet the shocking reality is that, after over thirty years of HIV and despite knowing what works and what doesn’t, punitive laws that contradict the very essence of HIV prevention are a growing reality.
In many countries and regions punitive laws and policies continue to hinder access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV information and services. Frequently, these policies undermine efforts to address some of the key structural drivers of the epidemic. Over sixty countries have laws that specifically criminalize HIV transmission or exposure; over seventy that criminalize same-sex sexual activity; over one-hundred deem sex work to be illegal; and over one-hundred still have laws that do not recognize equal inheritance rights for women. These policy barriers act as a disincentive for groups particularly vulnerable to and affected by HIV including people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, sex workers and young women and girls.
Launched in 2010, with evidence gathered through a number of regional dialogues (some of which IPPF were involved in) throughout 2011, the Global Commission on HIV and the Law is providing much needed leadership on this issue. The Commission’s report which will be launched later this year will provide a platform for concerted action. In many countries and regions punitive laws and policies continue to hinder access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV information and services. Frequently, these policies undermine efforts to address some of the key structural drivers of the epidemic. Over sixty countries have laws that specifically criminalize HIV transmission or exposure; over seventy that criminalize same-sex sexual activity; over one-hundred deem sex work to be illegal; and over one-hundred still have laws that do not recognize equal inheritance rights for women. These policy barriers act as a disincentive for groups particularly vulnerable to and affected by HIV including people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, sex workers and young women and girls.
It has been known for some time that a sustainable response to HIV must also endeavour to create an enabling environment by reducing stigma and discrimination and protecting human rights. To uphold the principles of our Sexual rights: an IPPF declaration, we need to ensure that our advocacy voices are raised even louder as we aim to support, defend and uphold the human rights of all individuals. Member Associations from across the Federation are involved in advocating for legal and policy changes at the national level, and because of the partnerships they have built, are increasingly recognized as key players in regional and international dialogues towards the advancement of these rights.
Love
Kevin
Download the March issue of the IPPF HIV Update newsletter: http://www.ippf.org/en/Resources/Newsletters/HIV+Update+Issue+29.htm
