This document discusses the importance of civil society consultation in developing model laws to address HIV/AIDS. It states that civil society organizations should be at the center of both developing the laws by providing input and expertise, and implementing the laws by sensitizing others and engaging with policymakers. The document also describes the consultation process between civil society and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum in drafting a model law, including a civil society meeting. It includes a civil society declaration to continue advocacy for human rights in the HIV response and adoption of the model law.

1. Towards a Model Law : the role of civil society

2. Civil society at the centre in developing law Good model laws must address the needs of all groups – civil society consultation essential for: Identification of and consensus building on critical issues Expert input Civil society organisations also have role to play in sensitising parliamentarians and policy makers on the right approach to critical issues in the law

3. Civil society at the centre of implementation of law Sensitising other CSOs on content and import of law Engaging with parliamentarians for the adoption and effective implementation of the law

4. Consultation process with SADC Model Law Collaboration between SADC PF, AIDS and Human Rights Research Unit and ARASA: Briefing of SADC Parliamentarians on the need for a rights based response to HIV Civil society consultation meeting on draft model law

5. Civil Society Declaration Continue our advocacy, education and other efforts for the promotion of human rights as a key element of an effective response to HIV and AIDS; Raise awareness about and promote a model law as a reference document for policy and legislative reform or review on HIV that incorporates the UN International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights and builds on best practices in the Southern African region and elsewhere and lobby SADC PF political organs for the adoption of a rights-based model law;

6. Advocate for the meaningful participation of civil society and especially organisations of people living with HIV in legislative and policy reform processes at national and regional level; Engage with national policy and law makers for the adoption of HIV-related legislative and policy frameworks that integrate human rights norms, address the legal and policy barriers to access to services for vulnerable and marginalised populations and help create an enabling environment for an effective response to HIV and AIDS;

7. Establish a regional network on HIV-related legal and policy frameworks tasked with monitoring the status of HIV laws and policies in the region, and advocating for the incorporation of human rights standards into these legal and policy frameworks.