The World AIDS Campaign for the years 2002–2003 will focus on stigma and discrimination. The main objective of the campaign is to prevent, reduce and ultimately eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, wherever it occurs and in all its forms. Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS are the greatest barriers to preventing further infections, providing adequate care, support and treatment and alleviating impact. Self-stigmatization, or the shame that people living with HIV/AIDS experience when they internalize the negative responses and reactions of others can lead to depression, withdrawal and feelings of worthlessness. Discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS, or presumed to be infected is a violation of human rights. All individuals have a right to equal respect and dignity, whatever their health status. The aim of this conceptual framework is to: create a common understanding of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination; highlight some existing interventions targeting HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, and contribute to effective ways of preventing stigma and challenging discrimination when it occurs, and monitoring and redressing human rights violations.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination and human rights violations constitute great barriers to preventing HIV infection; providing care, support and treatment; and alleviating the impact of the epidemic.

The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights arose because of various calls for their development in light of the need for guidance for Governments and others on how to best promote, protect and fulfil human rights in the context of the HIV epidemic. During the first International Consultation on AIDS and Human Rights, organized by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, in Geneva, from 26 to 28 July 1989, participants discussed the possible elaboration of guidelines to assist policymakers and others in complying with international human rights standards regarding law, administrative practice and policy

The newsletter features information on WHO/UNAIDS recommendations for countries regarding male circumcision and HIV prevention, information on the 7th reference group meeting on HIV and human rights, the new Public Service Announcement (PSA) on AIDS featuring the UNAIDS Special Representative Michael Ballack, and more.

The newsletter features information on WHO/UNAIDS recommendations for countries regarding male circumcision and HIV prevention, information on the 7th reference group meeting on HIV and human rights, the new Public Service Announcement (PSA) on AIDS featuring the UNAIDS Special Representative Michael Ballack, and more.

These position papers—developed by the the UN-wide HIV Positive Staff Group (UN Plus)—discuss the c

Through the long struggle against HIV, it has become clear that human rights are central to effective national responses to HIV. Where human rights are not protected, people are more vulnerable to HIV infection. Where the human rights of HIV-positive people are not protected, they suffer stigma and discrimination, become ill, become unable to support themselves and their families, and if not provided treatment, they die.

Given that it reduces a man's risk of acquisition of HIV through penile-vaginal intercourse, male circumcision provides an opportunity to reinforce HIV prevention efforts and thereby promote human rights. A human rights-based approach to introducing or expanding male circumcision services requires measures to ensure that the procedure can be carried out safely, under conditions of informed consent, and without discrimination.

We call upon members of the judiciary to use their positions of power and influence to act as role models by providing leadership on the HIV epidemic in their communities. We commit to upholding the rule of law so that governments fulfil their national and international obligations relevant to HIV. We call upon UNAIDS to establish, as a matter of urgency, a Commission on AIDS and the Law that includes jurists and assists countries to align their laws with the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights.

The Mapping of restrictions on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV was commissioned by the International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions. The Task Team was established by UNAIDS in January 2008 as an advisory/technical group whose role was to galvanize attention to such restrictions on national, regional and international agendas, calling for and supporting efforts towards their elimination. The principles of non-discrimination and the greater involvement of people living with HIV formed the core of the Task Team’s work and provided the context in which its efforts were set.