This document summarizes the key findings and recommendations of a report by the United Nations Development Programme's HIV, Health & Development Group. The report examines how legal environments influence HIV prevention, treatment, care, human rights, and the effectiveness of HIV investments. It finds that punitive laws criminalizing HIV status fuel stigma and do not reduce infections. The report recommends countries repeal discriminatory HIV laws and ensure gender equality, children's rights, and access to health services. It calls for legal reforms to address issues like violence against women and girls, which increase HIV risk.
WHRF - How can the law be used to scale up effective HIV responses among MSM ...FMDH
Présentation de Nadia RAFIF sur "How can the law be used to scale up effective HIV responses among MSM ?" lors du Forum Mondial des Droits de l'Homme, Novembre 2014.
Pour plus d'informations :
- Site web : http://fmdh-2014.org/fr/
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FMDH2014
- Twitter : https://twitter.com/FMDH2014
- Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/FMDH2014
HIV/AIDS & Human Rights In Southern Africaclac.cab
The document provides an overview of the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA). It discusses ARASA's mission, vision, structure and activities.
ARASA is a regional partnership of non-governmental organizations working to promote human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa through advocacy, training, capacity building and treatment literacy programs. Its central strategy is building civil society capacity, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS organizations, to advocate for human rights-based responses to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. ARASA's vision is for human rights to be at the center of all responses in Southern Africa, with the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS respected and protected.
1) Sri Lanka has ratified several international human rights treatmets but its constitution and laws are lacking protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
2) While Sri Lanka has anti-discrimination laws, it criminalizes sex work, same-sex relationships and drug use which fuels stigma and prevents access to healthcare.
3) Neighboring countries like India, Nepal and Bangladesh have advanced rights for transgender individuals but Sri Lanka still enforces colonial-era laws penalizing LGBT communities.
Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) is an organization founded to support the enhancement of family values in Kenya, with four key pillars namely Life, Family, Religion and Governance. We are an advocacy and networking organization made up of Christian professionals from diverse Christian groups and churches, from diverse professional backgrounds, but all committed to supporting a pro-life, pro-family, pro-religion and good-governance social environment.
This document discusses the meaning and vulnerability of LGBT groups, recognition of their human rights, health challenges they face, their position in India, and practical steps for safeguarding them. It defines lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities. It notes that while some Indian states have transgender welfare policies and a transgender rights bill was passed, there is no substantial national law protecting LGBT communities. The Supreme Court has recognized privacy and sexual orientation as fundamental rights. Practical steps proposed include protecting individuals from violence, prohibiting discrimination, and promoting equality, diversity, respect and dignity for LGBT rights.
An Overview of Human Rights, Health Related Rights & HIV/AIDS in KenyaLyla Latif
This document provides an overview of human rights and health-related rights in the context of HIV/AIDS. It discusses key human rights principles and international conventions that establish rights to health, non-discrimination, privacy, and informed consent. Violations of these rights can exacerbate the HIV epidemic by preventing access to services, education, and protection. Upholding human rights is crucial for effective HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The document also outlines the link between human rights, health, and HIV, giving examples of how policies can either violate rights or promote health.
WHRF - How can the law be used to scale up effective HIV responses among MSM ...FMDH
Présentation de Nadia RAFIF sur "How can the law be used to scale up effective HIV responses among MSM ?" lors du Forum Mondial des Droits de l'Homme, Novembre 2014.
Pour plus d'informations :
- Site web : http://fmdh-2014.org/fr/
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FMDH2014
- Twitter : https://twitter.com/FMDH2014
- Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/FMDH2014
HIV/AIDS & Human Rights In Southern Africaclac.cab
The document provides an overview of the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA). It discusses ARASA's mission, vision, structure and activities.
ARASA is a regional partnership of non-governmental organizations working to promote human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa through advocacy, training, capacity building and treatment literacy programs. Its central strategy is building civil society capacity, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS organizations, to advocate for human rights-based responses to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. ARASA's vision is for human rights to be at the center of all responses in Southern Africa, with the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS respected and protected.
1) Sri Lanka has ratified several international human rights treatmets but its constitution and laws are lacking protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
2) While Sri Lanka has anti-discrimination laws, it criminalizes sex work, same-sex relationships and drug use which fuels stigma and prevents access to healthcare.
3) Neighboring countries like India, Nepal and Bangladesh have advanced rights for transgender individuals but Sri Lanka still enforces colonial-era laws penalizing LGBT communities.
Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) is an organization founded to support the enhancement of family values in Kenya, with four key pillars namely Life, Family, Religion and Governance. We are an advocacy and networking organization made up of Christian professionals from diverse Christian groups and churches, from diverse professional backgrounds, but all committed to supporting a pro-life, pro-family, pro-religion and good-governance social environment.
This document discusses the meaning and vulnerability of LGBT groups, recognition of their human rights, health challenges they face, their position in India, and practical steps for safeguarding them. It defines lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities. It notes that while some Indian states have transgender welfare policies and a transgender rights bill was passed, there is no substantial national law protecting LGBT communities. The Supreme Court has recognized privacy and sexual orientation as fundamental rights. Practical steps proposed include protecting individuals from violence, prohibiting discrimination, and promoting equality, diversity, respect and dignity for LGBT rights.
An Overview of Human Rights, Health Related Rights & HIV/AIDS in KenyaLyla Latif
This document provides an overview of human rights and health-related rights in the context of HIV/AIDS. It discusses key human rights principles and international conventions that establish rights to health, non-discrimination, privacy, and informed consent. Violations of these rights can exacerbate the HIV epidemic by preventing access to services, education, and protection. Upholding human rights is crucial for effective HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The document also outlines the link between human rights, health, and HIV, giving examples of how policies can either violate rights or promote health.
Presentation Paper of Convention against TortureJhuma Halder
The document discusses Bangladesh's accession to the UN Convention Against Torture in 1998. It summarizes the key parts of the convention, including its definition of torture and obligations of signatory states. However, it notes that the main provisions of the convention have not been fully implemented in practice in Bangladesh. Specifically, religious minorities like Hindus have faced discrimination, with their homes burned and women abused with complicity of the government. While Bangladesh is trying to increase minority participation in government, more needs to be done to protect minority rights in line with the ideals of the Convention Against Torture.
This document provides an overview of a session on the basics of human rights from a human rights-based approach to programming. It defines key concepts related to human rights such as what human rights are, their characteristics, examples of specific rights, and the international legal framework for human rights including core treaties. It also discusses how human rights, culture, and gender are interconnected and the importance of culturally sensitive and gender-responsive programming. Finally, it outlines the obligations of states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
Presentation by human rights activist Myra Kovary on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Presented on Nov. 11, 2009 for the US Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry.
This document discusses human rights and healthcare. It defines human rights and outlines their history. Some key human rights discussed include the right to life, education, religion, and dignity. The document also covers patients' bill of rights, responsibilities of patients and healthcare workers, and principles of the right to health. These include availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of healthcare. The importance of upholding human rights in healthcare is emphasized to ensure dignity and autonomy for all.
Victoria has the unenviable record of having had more prosecutions, and more convictions, for HIV transmission and exposure than any other Australian jurisdiction. This presentation by Paul Kidd (former President, PLWHA Victoria), at the AFAO Positive Services Forum 2012, will briefly outline the state of the law in Victoria on HIV, and efforts underway for reform.
Presentation by Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA at the 2009 Virginia Health Equity Conference - Provides an overview of the health equity and social justice framework that is gaining support nationally as a paradigm to understand and address the root causes of health inequity. Highlights specific strategies being led by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Louisville Metro Health Department to promote health equity.
The document provides guidance on standardizing the process of monitoring and reporting human rights violations in Bangladesh. It outlines the key objectives as defining basic human rights concepts and terms, and establishing a standard procedure for conducting ground monitoring and reporting violations.
The standard procedure is divided into four sections - defining key terms, analyzing the context, conducting ground monitoring, and reporting violations. It provides guidelines on impartiality, accuracy, safety, gender sensitivity and participation. The document aims to help human rights organizations systematically gather reliable information on violations to protect rights in accordance with domestic and international law.
Global Commission on HIV and the Law: Risks, Rights and HealthUNDP Eurasia
The document summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law regarding the criminalization of HIV transmission, exposure, and non-disclosure. The Commission found that criminal laws are not an effective HIV prevention tool, criminalize marginalized groups disproportionately, and violate human rights. The Commission recommends countries repeal laws criminalizing HIV, only pursue cases of intentional transmission under general criminal law, and review past convictions for exposure and non-disclosure.
Links between positive prevention, the legal environment and programmes to em...gnpplus
This document discusses the links between positive prevention efforts, the legal environment, and programs that empower people living with HIV/AIDS. It argues that an effective response requires improving the entire legal environment through three main strategies: 1) Empowering affected communities with legal literacy and access to justice, 2) Improving law enforcement through training, and 3) Legislating or reforming discriminatory laws. Monitoring the legal environment and working with partners in government and civil society are also important. Support for essential programs that reduce stigma and discrimination, provide legal aid, and change harmful social norms need to be properly funded and scaled up. Positive prevention efforts should advocate for human rights and demand that combination prevention includes a focus on legal and policy reforms.
This document provides guidance on advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of people living with HIV. It discusses how, for too long, the sexuality and reproductive needs of people with HIV received little attention. However, factors like increased focus on sexual and reproductive health, integration of HIV and SRH services, longer life expectancy due to antiretroviral treatment, and positive prevention strategies have led to more consideration of these issues. The guidance makes recommendations in health services, policies/laws, and advocacy to better support the sexual and reproductive rights and needs of people living with HIV.
Addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights and hiv prevention linka...gnpplus
The document summarizes key points from an international technical consultation on addressing HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and gender inequality. It discusses how only 60% of sex workers and 40% of men who have sex with men are reached by HIV prevention programs. It also notes that laws in 63% of countries present obstacles to effective HIV services for at-risk populations. The document then outlines factors that make populations vulnerable to HIV, and how stereotypes can increase risk-taking behaviors. It concludes by advocating for linking HIV and sexual/reproductive health programs to improve outcomes.
This document summarizes the criminalization of HIV transmission in India. Section 270 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code are used to punish those who deliberately spread HIV, though there are no specific laws. The HIV and AIDS Act of 2017 aims to reduce new HIV cases by 75% by 2020 and eliminate HIV by 2030. While some countries like the UK and Canada criminally prosecute for intentional HIV transmission, such laws can infringe on human rights and dignity by unfairly stigmatizing those living with HIV. Public health laws may be a better alternative to criminalization.
This report summarizes achievements and challenges in global advocacy against HIV criminalization. It acknowledges efforts by advocates around the world challenging discriminatory laws and policies regarding people living with HIV. The report provides an overview of initiatives that have built the global evidence base on this issue, including reports by the Global Commission on HIV and the Law and UNAIDS. It also summarizes social science research exploring the negative impacts of HIV criminalization in countries like Canada and the US. Finally, the report outlines ongoing challenges in repealing misguided HIV-specific criminal laws in several countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
This document provides a progress report on global advocacy efforts against overly broad laws criminalizing HIV non-disclosure, exposure, and transmission between September 2011 and March 2013. It summarizes key initiatives that have helped build an evidence base demonstrating how HIV criminalization harms public health and human rights. These include reports from the Global Commission on HIV and the Law and UNAIDS, as well as research on the social and legal impacts of criminalization. It also describes advocacy efforts that have challenged new criminalization laws, reformed existing laws, and addressed enforcement. While arrests and prosecutions continue in many countries, the global movement opposing inappropriate HIV criminalization has strengthened significantly.
HIV Non-Disclosure & the Criminal Law: Legal Developments & Community ResponsesCBRC
Criminalization of HIV non-disclosure causes fear and anxiety for people living with HIV. Over 100 people in Canada have been criminally prosecuted for HIV transmission or exposure since 1989, with a significant increase since 2003. The law around what constitutes a "significant risk" of transmission is unclear. A recent court case found no significant risk from condom use or when viral load is undetectable, but the law remains uncertain. Advocates are working to restrict expansive use of criminal law and challenge misinformation.
An overview of the issues related to the criminalisation of HIV exposure and transmission in Australia.
This presentation was given by Sally Cameron, HIV Education and Health Promotion Officer with AFAO, at the AFAO National HIV Forum, 17 October 2014.
The Voice and Demands of positive Sex Workersclac.cab
Positive sex workers face dual stigma due to their work and HIV status. They experience barriers to healthcare access and invisible in HIV discussions despite evidence that decriminalizing sex work improves health outcomes. Sex workers living with HIV demand recognition of their voices and experiences and rights to work without discrimination or criminalization that fuels stigma and violence against them.
Positive sex workers face dual stigma due to their work and HIV status. They experience barriers to healthcare access and invisible in HIV discussions despite evidence that decriminalizing sex work improves health outcomes. Sex workers living with HIV demand recognition of their voices and experiences and rights to work without discrimination and access treatment and support.
This document provides information about the Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program (OHSUTP). It summarizes the vision, mission, and mandate of OHSUTP, which is to provide training to substance use and mental health service providers to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS and promote skills development. It also provides an overview of Fife House, the supportive housing organization that OHSUTP operates out of. Key information includes descriptions of Fife House's supportive housing programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
This document discusses stigma, discrimination, disclosure, and legal issues related to HIV. It begins by defining stigma and its impacts. It then discusses the roots of HIV stigma, including fear of contagion and negative assumptions about those infected. Multiple stigmas can compound issues for those living with HIV. Legal duties around disclosure are complex, with unclear guidelines around what constitutes significant risk of transmission. Non-disclosure can result in criminal charges but disclosure may not fully protect against prosecution. Community organizations have duties around confidentiality but not mandatory reporting.
This document discusses various legal and ethical issues related to HIV/AIDS, including:
1. The linkages between human rights and HIV/AIDS, noting that human rights protections are important for reducing stigma and empowering at-risk groups.
2. Issues around HIV testing, confidentiality, and the roles of criminal law, highlighting the importance of voluntary testing and informed consent.
3. Ethical considerations regarding biomedical research on HIV/AIDS and the need to balance research advancement with human subject protections.
4. Special circumstances that raise complex issues, such as providing care to victims of rape or reducing mother-to-child transmission through antiretroviral treatment.
Presentation Paper of Convention against TortureJhuma Halder
The document discusses Bangladesh's accession to the UN Convention Against Torture in 1998. It summarizes the key parts of the convention, including its definition of torture and obligations of signatory states. However, it notes that the main provisions of the convention have not been fully implemented in practice in Bangladesh. Specifically, religious minorities like Hindus have faced discrimination, with their homes burned and women abused with complicity of the government. While Bangladesh is trying to increase minority participation in government, more needs to be done to protect minority rights in line with the ideals of the Convention Against Torture.
This document provides an overview of a session on the basics of human rights from a human rights-based approach to programming. It defines key concepts related to human rights such as what human rights are, their characteristics, examples of specific rights, and the international legal framework for human rights including core treaties. It also discusses how human rights, culture, and gender are interconnected and the importance of culturally sensitive and gender-responsive programming. Finally, it outlines the obligations of states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
Presentation by human rights activist Myra Kovary on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Presented on Nov. 11, 2009 for the US Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry.
This document discusses human rights and healthcare. It defines human rights and outlines their history. Some key human rights discussed include the right to life, education, religion, and dignity. The document also covers patients' bill of rights, responsibilities of patients and healthcare workers, and principles of the right to health. These include availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of healthcare. The importance of upholding human rights in healthcare is emphasized to ensure dignity and autonomy for all.
Victoria has the unenviable record of having had more prosecutions, and more convictions, for HIV transmission and exposure than any other Australian jurisdiction. This presentation by Paul Kidd (former President, PLWHA Victoria), at the AFAO Positive Services Forum 2012, will briefly outline the state of the law in Victoria on HIV, and efforts underway for reform.
Presentation by Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA at the 2009 Virginia Health Equity Conference - Provides an overview of the health equity and social justice framework that is gaining support nationally as a paradigm to understand and address the root causes of health inequity. Highlights specific strategies being led by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Louisville Metro Health Department to promote health equity.
The document provides guidance on standardizing the process of monitoring and reporting human rights violations in Bangladesh. It outlines the key objectives as defining basic human rights concepts and terms, and establishing a standard procedure for conducting ground monitoring and reporting violations.
The standard procedure is divided into four sections - defining key terms, analyzing the context, conducting ground monitoring, and reporting violations. It provides guidelines on impartiality, accuracy, safety, gender sensitivity and participation. The document aims to help human rights organizations systematically gather reliable information on violations to protect rights in accordance with domestic and international law.
Global Commission on HIV and the Law: Risks, Rights and HealthUNDP Eurasia
The document summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law regarding the criminalization of HIV transmission, exposure, and non-disclosure. The Commission found that criminal laws are not an effective HIV prevention tool, criminalize marginalized groups disproportionately, and violate human rights. The Commission recommends countries repeal laws criminalizing HIV, only pursue cases of intentional transmission under general criminal law, and review past convictions for exposure and non-disclosure.
Links between positive prevention, the legal environment and programmes to em...gnpplus
This document discusses the links between positive prevention efforts, the legal environment, and programs that empower people living with HIV/AIDS. It argues that an effective response requires improving the entire legal environment through three main strategies: 1) Empowering affected communities with legal literacy and access to justice, 2) Improving law enforcement through training, and 3) Legislating or reforming discriminatory laws. Monitoring the legal environment and working with partners in government and civil society are also important. Support for essential programs that reduce stigma and discrimination, provide legal aid, and change harmful social norms need to be properly funded and scaled up. Positive prevention efforts should advocate for human rights and demand that combination prevention includes a focus on legal and policy reforms.
This document provides guidance on advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of people living with HIV. It discusses how, for too long, the sexuality and reproductive needs of people with HIV received little attention. However, factors like increased focus on sexual and reproductive health, integration of HIV and SRH services, longer life expectancy due to antiretroviral treatment, and positive prevention strategies have led to more consideration of these issues. The guidance makes recommendations in health services, policies/laws, and advocacy to better support the sexual and reproductive rights and needs of people living with HIV.
Addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights and hiv prevention linka...gnpplus
The document summarizes key points from an international technical consultation on addressing HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and gender inequality. It discusses how only 60% of sex workers and 40% of men who have sex with men are reached by HIV prevention programs. It also notes that laws in 63% of countries present obstacles to effective HIV services for at-risk populations. The document then outlines factors that make populations vulnerable to HIV, and how stereotypes can increase risk-taking behaviors. It concludes by advocating for linking HIV and sexual/reproductive health programs to improve outcomes.
This document summarizes the criminalization of HIV transmission in India. Section 270 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code are used to punish those who deliberately spread HIV, though there are no specific laws. The HIV and AIDS Act of 2017 aims to reduce new HIV cases by 75% by 2020 and eliminate HIV by 2030. While some countries like the UK and Canada criminally prosecute for intentional HIV transmission, such laws can infringe on human rights and dignity by unfairly stigmatizing those living with HIV. Public health laws may be a better alternative to criminalization.
This report summarizes achievements and challenges in global advocacy against HIV criminalization. It acknowledges efforts by advocates around the world challenging discriminatory laws and policies regarding people living with HIV. The report provides an overview of initiatives that have built the global evidence base on this issue, including reports by the Global Commission on HIV and the Law and UNAIDS. It also summarizes social science research exploring the negative impacts of HIV criminalization in countries like Canada and the US. Finally, the report outlines ongoing challenges in repealing misguided HIV-specific criminal laws in several countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
This document provides a progress report on global advocacy efforts against overly broad laws criminalizing HIV non-disclosure, exposure, and transmission between September 2011 and March 2013. It summarizes key initiatives that have helped build an evidence base demonstrating how HIV criminalization harms public health and human rights. These include reports from the Global Commission on HIV and the Law and UNAIDS, as well as research on the social and legal impacts of criminalization. It also describes advocacy efforts that have challenged new criminalization laws, reformed existing laws, and addressed enforcement. While arrests and prosecutions continue in many countries, the global movement opposing inappropriate HIV criminalization has strengthened significantly.
HIV Non-Disclosure & the Criminal Law: Legal Developments & Community ResponsesCBRC
Criminalization of HIV non-disclosure causes fear and anxiety for people living with HIV. Over 100 people in Canada have been criminally prosecuted for HIV transmission or exposure since 1989, with a significant increase since 2003. The law around what constitutes a "significant risk" of transmission is unclear. A recent court case found no significant risk from condom use or when viral load is undetectable, but the law remains uncertain. Advocates are working to restrict expansive use of criminal law and challenge misinformation.
An overview of the issues related to the criminalisation of HIV exposure and transmission in Australia.
This presentation was given by Sally Cameron, HIV Education and Health Promotion Officer with AFAO, at the AFAO National HIV Forum, 17 October 2014.
The Voice and Demands of positive Sex Workersclac.cab
Positive sex workers face dual stigma due to their work and HIV status. They experience barriers to healthcare access and invisible in HIV discussions despite evidence that decriminalizing sex work improves health outcomes. Sex workers living with HIV demand recognition of their voices and experiences and rights to work without discrimination or criminalization that fuels stigma and violence against them.
Positive sex workers face dual stigma due to their work and HIV status. They experience barriers to healthcare access and invisible in HIV discussions despite evidence that decriminalizing sex work improves health outcomes. Sex workers living with HIV demand recognition of their voices and experiences and rights to work without discrimination and access treatment and support.
This document provides information about the Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program (OHSUTP). It summarizes the vision, mission, and mandate of OHSUTP, which is to provide training to substance use and mental health service providers to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS and promote skills development. It also provides an overview of Fife House, the supportive housing organization that OHSUTP operates out of. Key information includes descriptions of Fife House's supportive housing programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
This document discusses stigma, discrimination, disclosure, and legal issues related to HIV. It begins by defining stigma and its impacts. It then discusses the roots of HIV stigma, including fear of contagion and negative assumptions about those infected. Multiple stigmas can compound issues for those living with HIV. Legal duties around disclosure are complex, with unclear guidelines around what constitutes significant risk of transmission. Non-disclosure can result in criminal charges but disclosure may not fully protect against prosecution. Community organizations have duties around confidentiality but not mandatory reporting.
This document discusses various legal and ethical issues related to HIV/AIDS, including:
1. The linkages between human rights and HIV/AIDS, noting that human rights protections are important for reducing stigma and empowering at-risk groups.
2. Issues around HIV testing, confidentiality, and the roles of criminal law, highlighting the importance of voluntary testing and informed consent.
3. Ethical considerations regarding biomedical research on HIV/AIDS and the need to balance research advancement with human subject protections.
4. Special circumstances that raise complex issues, such as providing care to victims of rape or reducing mother-to-child transmission through antiretroviral treatment.
This document provides information on considerations for HIV/AIDS, including:
- Epidemiology data on global prevalence, cases in the US and Michigan, and local data for Washtenaw County.
- Details on immunodeficiency, differences between HIV and AIDS, opportunistic infections, and the virus lifecycle.
- An overview of available treatments and disease progression over the lifespan.
- Discussion of prevention strategies, challenges like stigma, and US/Michigan policies.
- A case study of an immigrant woman living with HIV and caring for young children.
This document provides information about HIV/AIDS, including what it is, how it is transmitted, its stages, symptoms, and prevention methods. It begins by explaining that HIV attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated. It describes how HIV originated from chimpanzees in Central Africa and discusses getting tested, as HIV may not show symptoms early on. The stages of HIV infection - acute, chronic, and AIDS - are outlined. Methods of transmission include sexual contact, blood, and breastmilk. The document recommends getting tested, using protection like condoms, limiting partners, and seeking preventive treatment options like PrEP. It concludes by thanking the reader.
This document provides an overview of steps taken by governments around the world to address human rights violations against LGBT and intersex people. It references over 200 initiatives in 65 countries and finds that while progress has been made, serious challenges remain. Key positive developments include laws against hate crimes and discrimination, plans to protect LGBT rights, and courts upholding freedoms of expression and assembly. However, criminalization of homosexuality persists in many places, measures often fail to address issues faced by trans and intersex people, and comprehensive evaluation of policies' effectiveness is still needed. The report aims to encourage further progress in implementing international standards.
Us Helping Us is a nonprofit organization committed to improving health and well-being of Black gay men and reducing HIV/AIDS impact in the Black community. It began as a self-help group for HIV+ Black gay men and has expanded to serve gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men and women, transgender persons, and youth. Services include mental health, HIV testing, health screenings, case management, support groups, and HIV prevention. Opportunities exist to expand volunteer programs, attract physician volunteers, pursue new funding sources, and strengthen collaborations to further serve clients.
Promoting Wellbeing - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
Histololgy of Female Reproductive System.pptxAyeshaZaid1
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Osteoporosis - Definition , Evaluation and Management .pdfJim Jacob Roy
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share - Lions, tigers, AI and health misinformation, oh my!.pptxTina Purnat
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• Building trust with communities online and offline
• Equipping health professionals to address questions, concerns and health misinformation
• Assessing risk and mitigating harm from adverse health narratives in communities, health workforce and health system
8 Surprising Reasons To Meditate 40 Minutes A Day That Can Change Your Life.pptxHolistified Wellness
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NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
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Commission Key Findings & Recommendations - Columbia Law School, Feb. 2013
1. Risks, Rights & Health
Key Findings & Recommendations
Emilie Pradichit
Human Rights & Law Consultant
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
HIV, Health & Development Group, NY
Columbia Law School
20 February 2013
2. Key Question
How do legal environments (law, regulations, law
enforcement and access to justice) influence:
• HIV prevention, treatment and care – coverage
and quality
• Social support for people affected by the epidemic
• Human rights protection and promotion
• Efficiencies and effectiveness of HIV investments
4. WHY THE LAW MATTERS?
Critical enablers such as
the law can contribute
significantly to reducing
HIV incidence for a
relatively low cost
(Investment Framework)
• :
The Lancet 2011; 377:2031-2041 (in
(DOI:10.1016/S0140-
6736(11)60702-2
5. Why A Global Commission
on HIV & the Law?
• UNAIDS target: by 2015, halve the number of
countries with punitive laws and practices around
HIV transmission, sex work, drug use or
homosexuality. Create legal environments that
advance and safeguard dignity, health and justice
in the context of HIV
• To develop action-oriented, evidence based
recommendations for effective AIDS responses
that mitigate the impact of HIV and promote and
protect the human rights of people living with and
most vulnerable to HIV
6. Objectives & Outcomes
Consolidated, coherent and
1. Analyse existing evidence
and generate new compelling evidence base
evidence
Greater awareness among
2. Develop rights-based and key stakeholders
evidence-informed
recommendations Leadership of law and
policy makers to create a
3. Increase awareness positive legal environment
amongst key
constituencies Public dialogue on social
4. Engage with civil society attitudes, human rights and
and strengthen their legal issues relating to HIV
ability to campaign,
advocate, lobby Civil society engagement
7. The Global Commission on HIV & the Law
www.hivlawcommission.org
(1) Laws and Practices That Effectively
Criminalise People Living With and
Vulnerable to HIV
(2) Laws and Practices That Mitigate
or Sustain Violence and
Discrimination as Lived by Women
(3) Issues of Law and HIV pertaining
to children
(4) Laws and Practices that Facilitate
or Impede HIV-related Treatment
Access
10. Technical Advisory Group
• The Hon. Michael Kirby • Vivek Divan
(Co-Chair) • Richard Elliot
• Allehone Mulugeta Abebe • Sofia Gruskin
(Co-Chair)
• Wendy Isaack
• JVR Prasada Rao
• Rick Lines
(Member Secretary, Commission)
• Aziza Ahmed • Kevin Moody
• Jonathan Berger • Vitit Muntarbhorn
• Chris Beyrer • Cheryl Overs
• Scott Burris • Purna Sen
• Joanne Csete
• Susan Timberlake
• Mandeep Dhaliwal
• Tracey Robinson
• Sophie Dilmitis
• Matthew Weait
11.
12. Commission Report
Launched on 9 July 2012 in New York
HIV and the Law: Risks, Rights & Health
14. Commission Report
Key Messages:
1. Epidemic of bad laws is fueling the spread of HIV,
resulting in human rights violations and costing lives
2. Epidemic of bad laws is limiting effectiveness and
efficiency of HIV and health investments
3. Good laws and practices that protect human rights
and build on public health evidence already exist -
they strengthen the global AIDS response, and they
must be replicated
15. Criminalization of HIV Transmission,
Exposure and Disclosure
FINDINGS (Legal Frameworks)
1. In over 60 countries, it is a crime
to expose another person to HIV
or to transmit it, especially
through sex.
2. Worldwide, countries and
jurisdictions have promulgated
HIV-specific criminal laws:
34 States & territories in the
USA
27 countries in Africa following
the N'Djamena Model Law (2005)
13 countries in Asia-Pacific
11 countries in Latin America
9 countries in Europe
At least 600 individuals living
with HIV in 24 countries have
been convicted under HIV-specific
or general criminal law.
16. General Findings
(I) Overly broad criminalization provisions:
• laws often vaguely worded, prosecutions for
mother to child transmission, spitting or biting
(ii) Prosecutions disproportionately target
marginalized people
• Example: Asylum seekers & immigrants
(ii) Criminalization is only justifiable in very limited
settings of malicious intend and proven
transmission
• Intend, harm, risk, proof, penalties
17. Criminalization of HIV Transmission,
Exposure & Non-disclosure
FINDINGS: Criminal law is not a HIV prevention tool
1. No evidence that criminal prosecutions prevent new
HIV infections
2. Such laws do not increase safer sex practices
3. Instead, criminalization of HIV transmission
reinforces stigma and discrimination vs. PLHIV
18. Criminalization of HIV Transmission,
Exposure & Non-disclosure
FINDINGS: Is criminalization ever justified?
1. The rare cases of malicious intentional transmission
can be addressed by existing criminal or public
health laws
2. Defining specific HIV offences is not warranted and,
in fact, violates international human rights
standards.
19. Recommendations
To ensure an effective, sustainable response to HIV
that is consistent with human rights obligations:
• Countries must not enact laws that explicitly
criminalise HIV transmission, HIV exposure or failure
to disclose HIV status
• Law enforcement authorities must not prosecute
people in cases of HIV non-disclosure or exposure
where no intentional or malicious HIV transmission
has been proven to have taken place
20. Recommendations
(continued)
• Countries must amend or repeal any law that
explicitly or effectively criminalizes vertical
transmission of HIV
• Countries may legitimately prosecute HIV
transmission that was both actual and intentional,
using general criminal law
• The convictions of those who have been successfully
prosecuted for HIV exposure, non-disclosure and
transmission must be reviewed
23. PACHA Resolution
on HIV-specific Criminal Laws
• 7 February 2013: President’s Advisory Council on
AIDS (PACHA) voted Resolution on Ending Federal and
State HIV-specific Criminal Laws, Prosecutions, and Civil
Commitments
“Today’s announcement is an important advancement in
our collective effort to modernize unjust and
discriminatory HIV criminalization laws”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee,
co-chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.
24. Women and HIV
At the end of 2010, there were 16.8 million women living with
HIV:
– HIV is the leading cause of death in women of reproductive
age.
– 51% of all people living with HIV are women - significant
regional variations.
– 26% of all new infections take place among women aged 15
to 24.
– HIV-related causes contributed to at least 20% of maternal
death
25. Women, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS (Legal Frameworks)
• Constitutional equality, accession to
international covenants, legislation on the
books
• Legal loopholes, multiple legal
frameworks, reservations to international
agreements, inadequate enforcement
• Gender inequality leaves women and girls
vulnerable to HIV.
26. Women, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS (Violence)
• Rape persists, despite legal prohibitions. It
is increasingly a prime weapon of war.
• Legal definitions of sex crimes may preclude
prosecuting some coerced acts (ie, marital
rape).
28. Women, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS (Violence - continued)
• Even where laws criminalize sexual violence, they are
often poorly enforced.
• Survivors of violence fail to get timely HIV and health
services, including therapy to reduce HIV infection.
• Disclosure of HIV-positive status also puts women at
risk of violence.
29. Women, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS (Sexual & Reproductive Health)
• Reproductive health centers are not friendly spaces for many
women living with HIV. Coercive and discriminatory practices
include:
– forced HIV testing
– breaches of confidentiality
– denial of health care services
– coerced or forced sterilizations and abortions
• Where HIV exposure and transmission are criminalized,
pregnant women and mothers fear testing and treatment,
for themselves and their children.
30. Women, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS (Property Rights)
• Without equal rights to property, women are severely
disadvantaged within the family
• International covenants guarantee equality between men
and women in family life, marriage and its dissolution.
Regional agreements also deal with laws and traditions in
relation to these issues.
• Formal and customary marriage, property and inheritance
laws, and practices such as “property-grabbing” fuel gender
inequality.
• Governmental or traditional legal systems fail to outlaw
customary practices (ie, early marriage) and put girls and
women at increased risk of HIV exposure.
31. Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
• End all forms of violence against women and girls, including in conflict
situations and post-conflict settings:
– Enact and enforce laws that prohibit domestic violence, rape and
other forms of sexual assault.
– Remove immunity from prosecution for rape when the perpetrator is a
married or unmarried partner.
• Remove legal barriers that impede women’s access to sexual and
reproductive health services. Ensure that:
– Health care workers provide women with full information on sexual
and reproductive options and ensure that women can provide informed
consent
– Prohibit and take measures to stop the practice of forced abortion
and coerced sterilization of HIV-positive women and girls
– Provision of health services, including post-exposure prophylaxis,
legal services and social protection for survivors of violence, must be
guaranteed.
– Health care workers are trained on informed consent, confidentiality
and non-discrimination.
32. Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
• Reform property and inheritance laws so that women and men have
equal access to property and other economic resources, including
credit:
– Ensure that, in practice, property is divided without gender
discrimination upon separation, divorce or death and establish a
presumption of spousal co-ownership of family property.
– Leaders of religious or customary legal systems must make reforms
to protect women, including widows and orphans.
• Ensure that laws prohibiting early marriage are enacted and enforced.
• Religious and customary laws must prohibit practices that increase HIV
risk, such as widow inheritance or “widow cleansing”.
32
33. Children, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS
• Laws are failing to ensure that orphans and
children affected by HIV are protected
from discrimination
• In several countries, laws explicitly prohibit
HIV positive adults from adopting
children, including HIV positive children,
regardless of the adult’s own general
health status and prognosis.
34. Children, HIV & the Law
FINDINGS
• In some countries, laws completely prohibit
age-appropriate sexual health education
in schools while in others, laws impose
‘abstinence-only’ or other restricted curricula.
• Some countries have established different
legal ages for consent to sex and for
autonomous access to sexual and
reproductive health services.
35.
36. Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
• Laws must:
– Ensure that the birth of every child is registered. This is crucial for ensuring
that an appropriate legal framework is in place for children to access essential
services and for their rights to be protected and promoted as per the
Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
– In the event of the death of a parent, ensure that an appropriate adult is
appointed as the child’s guardian. This includes provisions for transfer of
guardianship of AIDS orphans from deceased parents to adults or older siblings
who can ensure the well-being of the child.
– Support community based foster care for children orphaned by AIDS as an
alternative to institutionalization, when formal adoption is not possible or
appropriate.
– Ensure access to HIV-sensitive social protection as required such as direct
cash transfers for affected children and their guardians.
• Laws must prohibit discrimination against children living with or affected by
HIV, especially in the context of adoption, health and education.
37. Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
• Enact laws which ensure that the right of every child, in and out of
school, to have access to age appropriate comprehensive sexual
health education to enable them to protect themselves and
others from HIV and to live positively with HIV.
• Reform laws to ensure that the age of consent for autonomous
access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services is
equal to or lower than the age of consent for sexual relations,
enabling sexually active young people to confidentially and
independently access health services and protect themselves from
HIV
38. Implementation
• 14 February 2013: Congresswoman Lee (D-CA) and
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the Real
Education for Healthy Youth Act of 2013
⇒ Legislation would give America’s youth the knowledge
they need to make educated decisions about
their health, and
⇒ would expand comprehensive sex education programs
in schools and ensure that federal funds are spent on
effective, age-appropriate, medically accurate programs.
39. Impact of Commission’s work
Country action catalyzed before the launch of report:
• In Guyana (Sept. 2011) rejection of the inappropriate criminalization of HIV exposure
and transmission.
• Fiji also rejected the inappropriate criminalization of HIV transmission and exposure
and lifted HIV-related travel restrictions.
• In Argentina, Parliamentary sensitization on HIV and legal issues affecting
transgender people contributed to the adoption of a progressive gender identity law
(May 2012).
• Belize (Oct. 2011) and Panama (Dec. 2011) held national dialogues on HIV, human
rights and the law. In Panama, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs committed to
reviewing all laws pertaining to women’s rights and HIV
• At the Asia-Pacific High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Assessment of
Progress Against Commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and
the Millennium Development Goals (February 2012), hosted by UNESCAP, senior
government and civil society representatives from Asia and the Pacific discussed the
importance and challenges of law reform for HIV responses in the region
40. Impact of Commission’s work
Country action catalyzed after the launch of report:
In 2012-2013 UNDP has mapped Commission follow up activities in 82
countries (31 UNAIDS priority countries):
• Legal environment reviews
• Legislative Reform
• National Dialogue & Action Planning on HIV and the Law
• Judicial Sensitization
• Parliamentarian Sensitization
• Access to Justice – Law Enforcement & Legal Services
• Media & Religious Leader Sensitization
41. World Map on the Implementation of the Recommendations
of the Global Commission on HIV & the Law
42. Impact of Commission’s work
Country action catalyzed after the launch of report:
• The Commonwealth Eminent Persons’ Group, influenced by the Commission,
presented its report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, including a
clear call for the removal of punitive laws blocking effective HIV responses.
-> Recommendation adopted with comments on 19 Dec. 2012 by Heads of Government
of Commonwealth countries:
• Rec No 60: Heads of Government should take steps to encourage the repeal of
discriminatory laws that impede the effective response of CW countries to the
HIV/AIDS epidemic, and commit to programmes of education that would help a
process of repeal of such laws.
• Comment:
Member governments have the discretion to identify which, if any, laws are
considered discriminatory, and the steps deemed appropriate to address these.
43. Thank You
“The end of the global AIDS epidemic is within our reach. This will only
be possible if science and action are accompanied by a tangible
commitment to respecting human dignity and ending injustice.”
Fernando Henrique Cardoso,
Chair of the Commission & Former President of Brazil
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