Around the world, HIV/AIDs is shattering millions of children and young peoples' opportunities for healthy adult lives. Nevertheless, it is young people who offer the greatest hope for changing the course of the epidemic. In June 2001, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDs adopted the 'Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS'--a comprehensive global workplan to beat HIV/AIDS, which focuses on the needs and rights of young people and children. This report examines the Declaration and its intention with regard to preventing mother-to-child transmission, providing care for children affected by AIDS, and protecting young people against the epidemic, as well as the time frames for the achievement of these critical goals.
