OSLO/GENEVA, 1 February 2024—At a conference hosted in Oslo by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, has made an impassioned call to all international partners to support women and girls from marginalized communities at the frontlines of the defence of human rights. Only by ensuring that the rights of everyone are protected can the world ensure that the health of everyone is protected, and that the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved.

In her keynote speech at the Rights and Resistance conference Ms Byanyima said, “We cannot separate sustainable development from human rights. We must put human rights at the centre of our development efforts. The AIDS movement, of which I am proud to be part, has been resolute in this. We have demonstrated how patriarchal, racist, and homophobic laws, policies, practices and norms undermine health and hurt everyone.”

She said that progress was in peril from a backlash on human rights but that hard-won gains could be protected and expanded by doing three things:

• Deepening our understanding of the pushback on human rights and democracy
• Bringing our efforts together and connecting the dots to link the struggles, thinking long term and being bold
• Backing and resourcing the people most impacted by the attacks on rights—foremost by supporting women and girls from the poorest and most marginalized communities

In her speech, Ms Byanyima underlined some of the gains made by human rights defenders in recent years through the leadership of women and girls and LGBTQ communities.

• 50 million more girls are in school than were in 2015
• Whereas a few decades ago, two-thirds of countries criminalised same-sex relationships, today two-thirds of countries do not criminalise them.

Opening the conference, Norway’s International Development Minister, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, said, “We have an obligation to back those who risk their lives fighting for values that we take for granted. Norway will continue aiding those actors on the ground who stress the universality of human rights. We will support free and independent media, including at the local level. Finally, all Norwegian development aid shall be rights-based."

Human rights violations continue to drive the HIV epidemic among women and girls. Every week, 4000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15—24 became infected with HIV globally in 2022. 3100 of these infections occurred in sub-Saharah Africa.

Upholding the rights of marginalized communities is vital for enabling success in the HIV response. When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services is obstructed. UNAIDS research shows that the decriminalization of same-sex relationships is a crucial step in ending the AIDS pandemic.

UNAIDS is highlighting that the recent, well-coordinated and well-funded global pushback against women’s rights, against the human rights of LGBTQ people, against sexual and reproductive health and rights, against democracy and against civic space is not only a threat to everyone’s freedom, it is a threat to everyone’s health. In response to this threat, the AIDS movement and its allies are pushing back against the pushback, reminding world leaders of their commitments to uphold all human rights for all people.

UNAIDS is supporting frontline human rights defenders in both crisis response and in the longer-term work and is helping to expand support for human rights by demonstrating that laws, policies and practices which uphold human rights help countries to ensure public health and to get on track to end AIDS.

The UNAIDS Executive Director expressed confidence that the advancement of rights can be won. “Progress is not automatic. But if we are courageous and united, progress is possible,” said Ms Byanyima.

The full version of Ms. Byanyima’s speech (delivered at 12:50 CET February 1) can be viewed here.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 19 December 2023—During the 53rd meeting of UNAIDS’ Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) held in Geneva, Switzerland, the UNAIDS board adopted decisions on key populations with a focus to increase access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and other social protection services for transgender people.

Member states and the Joint Programme recognized that each key population, including transgender people, is diverse, and experiences multiple and intersecting forms of stigma and discrimination, and therefore requires evidence-based, data-informed tailored programmes, services and resources that are responsive to their specific needs in the HIV response.

Exact follow-up actions they agreed upon include:

• Address gaps in population size estimates and expand disaggregated data on key populations focusing on existing gaps in transgender populations, in diverse situations and conditions, including through community-led data generation;
• Optimally resource and scale-up tailored and effective HIV prevention, testing and treatment programmes and services that address the diverse needs and circumstances of key populations, including transgender people;
• Increase the proportion of community-led services for HIV prevention, testing and treatment and for societal enablers to reach the 30-80-60 targets, as described in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, including through mechanisms to increase and facilitate funding and sustainable financing for community-led HIV organizations, including for those led by key populations;
• Address gender inequality, all forms of stigma, discrimination and marginalization, and review and reform harmful and punitive laws and policies that hinder access to HIV-related services for key populations;
• Reinforce an evidence-based public health approach to HIV, particularly in the context of gender equality and human rights;
• Integrate social protection with health and HIV responses by taking people-centered approaches, which addresses economic inequalities making education, welfare, and social protection systems more inclusive of key populations.

And finally, the board requested UNAIDS to reinforce and expand the meaningful engagement and leadership of all key populations, including transgender people, in the HIV response.

This is the first time a member state-led UN body has adopted a consensus decision (without a vote) that includes specific references and commitments to transgender people and actions to be taken by member states. Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS Christine Stegling said, “We have broken through a barrier. UNAIDS is now fully focused on maximizing the programmatic impact of this decision in-country, for communities and with communities.”

The past two PCB meetings took place midway through the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 so this decision will help UNAIDS focus on achieving the 2025 targets. The UNAIDS PCB is the premier UN and global forum on HIV, bringing together civil society, cosponsors and member states to help chart the future of the response to HIV, including the development of the next Global AIDS Strategy, the vision for 2030 and beyond. The PCB NGO delegates are comprised of people living with HIV and/or key populations including transgender people. They participate in all aspects of the board’s work and strongly advocate for people living with HIV and affected by HIV.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Imagine this: you’re a person living with HIV, and your household is facing financial hardship. You decide to run a small grocery business at home, keeping your status hidden. Despite accessing free HIV treatment, you cannot afford other essential health services. And when you need to buy medicine, you don't have enough for your children’s school supplies or nutritious meals.

Low incomes.

Unaffordable healthcare.

Employment insecurity due to HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

These realities create financial hurdles for the poor among people living with HIV and the key populations—gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender women, sex workers and people who inject drugs.

In Cambodia, stakeholders are working to ensure that the social protection safety net specifically covers people living with, and at risk of contracting, HIV.

“People living with HIV do not only need medication, but also food. If we provide only the drugs they will not survive,” said  Tia Phalla, Deputy Director of Cambodia’s National AIDS Authority (NAA). He explained that nutrition support and other non-health related care are an integral part of the national policy for responding to HIV.

Cambodia is among the countries that are on-track to reach the 2025 Global AIDS Strategy testing and treatment targets. As of the end of 2022, an estimated 86% of people living with HIV in Cambodia were aware of their status. Impressively, more than 98% of diagnosed people were receiving treatment and 98% of those on treatment achieved a suppressed viral load last year.

The country hopes to further improve these results while enhancing the quality of life of people living with HIV.

“A key part of the strategy we have advocated for is to include HIV sensitivity in social protection schemes and programmes,” explained Patricia Ongpin, UNAIDS Country Director for Cambodia, Lao PDR and Malaysia. Individuals and families affected by HIV can now benefit from a range of programmes including cash transfer, food assistance, social health protection and scholarships.

Once a person living with HIV registers their household for an Equity Card, they are entitled to monthly stipends. The card also gives holders access to additional medical care. This frees individuals and families from having to choose between healthcare and expenses for other essentials such as education and food.

In 2019 Cambodia officially included people living with HIV in its IDPoor mechanism. This is a system to identify and register households living in poverty. This was followed by the HIV and Social Protection Assessment, conducted in 2020 by UNAIDS and the NAA.

“The assessment made it clear that promoting HIV-sensitive social protection could help reduce the risk of HIV, increase demand for HIV prevention services, and promote HIV testing and safe sexual behaviors, as well as adherence to treatment,” said Ms Ongpin.

To ensure a more inclusive approach for IDPoor registration there must be engagement from key stakeholders including government, local authorities, development partners, and civil society organizations.

With support from UNAIDS and UNDP, Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning launched a web-based system and mobile application for IDPoor registration in December 2022. This approach makes it easier for individuals living with HIV to register at their treatment centers. As of August this year, more than 13,600 people living with HIV have been enrolled.

By leveraging this technology-driven approach, people living with HIV feel confident revealing their HIV status and are empowered to access much-needed healthcare benefits with dignity and autonomy. The solution can also be used to register people from key population communities at risk of contracting HIV.

Community leadership is a key strategy for expanding the initiative’s reach.  The Joint Forum of Networks of People Living with HIV and key populations (DFoNPAM) coordinates with the Department of Planning at district level in order to help with IDPoor registration. 

One initiative specifically targeted female entertainment workers. A national registration campaign was co-organized by the Ministry of Planning, the Phnom Penh City Hall, and the NAA, with technical assistance from UNAIDS. Around five dozen workers registered during the two-day campaign, receiving Equity Cards for their households.

According to the UNAIDS Country Director, this inclusive approach is key to creating a better future for people living with HIV and key populations.

“To mobilize their participation and register them for Equity Cards, we need to understand the barriers. And to understand the barriers, we need to listen to their experiences, in their own words. By taking this step, people living with HIV and key populations can help shape the conversation and ensure that their voices are heard,” Ms Ongpin ended.

In the heart of the bustling Guatemala City, Juan used to face the daily grind of life with an unwavering spirit. He had been diagnosed with HIV several years ago and had learned to manage his health effectively. As a dedicated employee at a marketing firm, he poured creativity into every project he touched.

Life seemed to be on an upswing for him until an unexpected turn of events unfolded at the workplace. A colleague stumbled upon Juan's medical records and, in a breach of privacy, discovered his HIV status. Soon, whispers spread through the office, and Juan began to feel the cold stares and hushed conversations whenever he walked by. Ultimately, he was dismissed from his company for "restructuring reasons."

As the discrimination became more blatant, Juan decided it was time to take action. He sought advice from Líderes Profesionales, a network of lawyers specializing in discrimination cases for people living with HIV. With UNAIDS's support, this network is committed to fighting for justice and equality for marginalized communities.

Upon hearing Juan's story, the lawyers at Líderes Profesionales were appalled by the flagrant violation of privacy and the subsequent discrimination. They quickly assembled a legal team dedicated to ensuring justice for Juan. The lawyers explained the legal protections in place for individuals with HIV, emphasizing that workplace discrimination based on health status is a clear violation of the law.

Together with Juan, the legal team initiated a lawsuit against the firm. They filed a complaint citing violations of privacy, discrimination, and failure to provide a safe and inclusive work environment and asked for payment of benefits and compensation for unjustified dismissal.

Líderes Profesionales worked tirelessly to expose Juan's unjust treatment, seeking justice for him and advocating for broader change in workplace policies. They organized workshops to sensitize companies, urging them to implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion training and policy.

As of December 2023, the case is still ongoing. The legal team's goal is to seek compensation for Juan and foster an environment where such discrimination would not be tolerated in the future.

"Juan's experience and five other discrimination-related workplace cases this year inspire us to continue our advocacy work," says Julio Rodríguez, Director of Líderes Profesionales. "We redouble our efforts to support individuals facing discrimination, using each case as an opportunity to raise awareness and push for systemic change."

In Guatemala, 31,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV. HIV-related stigma and discrimination are still pervasive. According to the latest National Stigma Index (2017), 14% of people living with HIV reported losing their job or source of income due to their positive status for HIV, and 13% of people living with HIV reported being denied employment or opportunity to work because of HIV.

 "Having access to legal support really represented a turning point for Juan. Empowered by it, he is a more vocal advocate for HIV awareness and anti-discrimination efforts," says Marie Engel, UNAIDS Country Director for Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. "Through his journey, Juan contributes to a more just and inclusive society for all." 

In the quiet corner of a community center in Guatemala City, 29-year-old Emma - fictitious name - sits among other women she does not know. In the faces and gestures of each of them, you can see that they all carry the weight of violence and injustice on their shoulders.

The first subtle rays of sunlight gradually fill the room; calm and comfort invite Emma and the others to feel more relaxed in their hearts and souls. With tired eyes, small hands, and a heart scarred by violence, she looks around, absorbs the energy of the place, and takes a deep breath as she awaits the start of a therapy session and an informative talk about HIV.

As the therapy session began, Emma shyly and cautiously shared her experiences with Wendi Polanco, who, since 2019, has become a helping hand for many women battered by gender-based violence. Through Latiendo Juntas, the organization she leads in Guatemala, Wendi clearly proves that sisterhood works and is transformative.  

With support from UNAIDS, Latiendo Juntas coordinates a project to improve access to comprehensive health services, including sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing and care for women survivors of violence. They also contribute to their resilience and empowerment by raising awareness of human rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights, through group therapy and HIV information talks, which provide facts and a platform for open dialogue, fostering a non-judgmental environment.

"The room becomes a sanctuary where the pain of women like Emma and so many others is recognized," says Wendi. "The community center is a refuge for them, and a network of support among the women is woven with the sun's warmth. I feel relieved when I see how the weight on their shoulders begins to lessen."

Throughout these therapy sessions, Emma and other women discover comfort and empowerment. The therapeutic journeys offered at Latiendo Juntas become a catalyst for their resilience, liberation, and self-care.

The link between HIV and violence against women is a widespread problem, as gender-based violence increases women's vulnerability to HIV infection. Women who experience violence may have difficulty negotiating safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms, which increases their risk of contracting HIV. In addition, fear of violence may deter women from seeking HIV testing, treatment, and support, perpetuating the cycle of violence and silence and limiting their access to critical and essential healthcare resources.

Violence against women in Guatemala is endemic and can be described as a shadow pandemic. The country has one of the world's highest rates of femicide: the intentional murder of women because they are women.

"Addressing the intersection of HIV and violence against women requires comprehensive efforts that include education, empowerment, and dismantling gender-based power imbalances," says Irene Izquieta, UNAIDS Advisor on Rights and Gender for Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 

GENEVA, 14 December 2023—The 53^rd meeting of UNAIDS’ Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) concluded today in Geneva, Switzerland, with Board members making strong commitments to redouble efforts to end AIDS by 2030.

In her remarks to the Board the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima said, “I wish I could tell you now was the time to relax, but we are not done yet. And pulling back before we are done—that is how pandemics resurge; how the least powerful get left behind; how the virus thrives. In a pandemic, there is no standing still. If we do not make progress, the virus will.”

This PCB meeting took place at a critical time for the response to HIV, midway through the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 as UNAIDS is redoubling its focus on achieving the 2025 targets.

The First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, delivered the keynote address saying, “Partial success in the AIDS response coupled with emerging pandemics has given rise to complacency that must be reversed. Fresh thinking and approaches are urgently required to reach the 2025 targets and to achieve the goal of ending the pandemic by 2030.”

Addressing the shortfalls in global funding for HIV and for UNAIDS, Ms Byanyima urged donors to front-load resources, support developing countries to grow their fiscal space, and to fully fund UNAIDS with multi-year funding (UNAIDS currently has a shortfall of US$ 50 million). In 2022, US$ 20.8 billion was available for the global response to HIV, far short of the US$ 29.3 billion needed by 2025.

“We remain deeply concerned about the current funding situation of the Joint Programme and the expected impact on different strategic result areas. We are encouraging all PCB member states and observers to seek ways to augment their support to the Joint Programme in 2024,” said Binod Mahanty, Health Adviser, Federal Ministry of Health of Germany.

Several donors have recently increased their core contributions to UNAIDS, including Côte d’Ivoire, the Netherlands and the United States. During the meeting France announced a 50% increase in its voluntary contribution to UNAIDS, Germany announced an additional 1 million Euros, and Luxembourg announced an additional 100 000 Euros for UNAIDS.

Other countries have also stepped-up support recently, including Australia which announced an investment of up to AU$12 million for a new partnership with UNAIDS to let communities lead in ending AIDS in the Asia Pacific region. Let Communities Lead was the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day report from UNAIDS, which emphasized the critical role communities play in responding to HIV, and how underfunding and harmful barriers are holding back their lifesaving work and obstructing the end of AIDS.

“UNAIDS is a strong voice promoting human rights and fighting inequality, through the evidence-based work addressing the social determinants of HIV, including stigma and discrimination based on gender and sexual identity,” said, Ms Jannicke Graartrud Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway.

"UNAIDS has been providing Cambodia with important support through resource mobilization, a sustainability roadmap and strategic plan, strategic information and data collection and analysis, scale up of innovative prevention and treatment tools as well as on community engagement and strengthening community-led activities," said Mouly Ieng, Senior Minister, Chair of the National AIDS Authority of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. "Countries are making significant efforts, please do not leave us behind."

A thematic segment on HIV testing was held on the last day of the PCB. Board members discussed how HIV testing services are the gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care and other support services. The Keynote speaker for the HIV testing segment was Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Public Health England. He said, “In our efforts to end HIV transmission by 2030, we must let communities lead in redoubling our efforts to deliver what we know works – HIV prevention, testing, PrEP and HIV treatment – at scale. And we must work to end HIV stigma, which prevents so many from living their authentic life, full of compassion, free of fear and able to contribute fully to society.”

“Ending AIDS is possible but only if we take bold action to revolutionize HIV prevention, scale-up testing, fight stigma, discrimination and inequalities, reach young women and girls and key populations with HIV services, remove harmful laws, increase resources and strengthen the multisectoral approach,” said Ms Byanyima.

The UNAIDS PCB is the premier UN and global forum on HIV, bringing together civil society, co-sponsors and member states to help chart the co-creation of the future of the response to HIV, including the development of the next Global AIDS Strategy, the vision for 2030 and beyond. 

The 53^rd meeting of the PCB was chaired by Germany, with Kenya serving as the Vice-Chair and Brazil as Rapporteur. The 54^th meeting to be held in June 2024, will be chaired by Kenya, with Brazil serving as Vice-Chair and the Netherlands as Rapporteur.

Read the Report to the Board by the UNAIDS Executive Director.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The collaboration between UNAIDS and China was the focus of a consultation that took place on the sidelines of the 53 meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board.

The consultation brought together members of UNAIDS senior leadership, representatives from WHO and the Global Fund, and Chinese health authorities, to develop a bilateral strategic action framework and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand and quicken the pace of the HIV response in China and globally. 

“We are at a critical time in the HIV response, and we have a great opportunity that the Chinese delegation is here for our Programme Coordinating Board meeting”, said Rosemary Museminali, UNAIDS Director of the Office of Multilateral Systems, in her introductions.

Building on China’s long-standing international cooperation on health, participants acknowledged the potential to engage China more prominently in global efforts to end AIDS, especially under the South-South Cooperation framework and in line with China’s development schemes including Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative which aim at promoting global development and helping other developing countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNAIDS pointed out that China has a pivotal role to play in promoting local production of medicines and health commodities. At the same time, there is a need to build and expand relationships with other government departments to leverage all available resources to implement international best practices, promote access to quality services and support civil society’s engagement in HIV response.

Ren Minghui, Director of Global Health Institute of Peking University Health Science Center, is helping UNAIDS develop the framework and MoU. He outlined some initial key points in positioning HIV in the overall health strategy and broader development agenda. He also highlighted China’s specific context, including its increased contributions to global health and the HIV response, China-led initiatives and South-South collaboration, as well as a special call from President Xi to build a community with a shared and healthy future for mankind.

“There are important elements for China and for the global AIDS response, but for these we need to address equality and have a multisectoral mechanism,” said Ren Minghui.

Participants shared ideas on how to facilitate the development process of the two documents, which will take place over the next six months.

Prior to the consultation meeting, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima met with the Chinese delegation for the PCB meeting. She congratulated China’s progress in HIV prevention and treatment and urged more efforts to be made to address challenges such as providing quality treatment for people living with HIV, increasing testing, improving HIV prevention and eliminating stigma and discrimination.

“I hope China can play a bigger role to end AIDS at home and globally”, Winnie Byanyima told the delegation. 

HARARE/GENEVA, 8 December 2023—The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima has been recognized as the ‘Most Outspoken Ally of the Year’ by Global Black Gay Men Connect for her extensive work advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. The announcement was made at the African Men Health and Rights award ceremony which took place today during the 22^nd International Conference on AIDS and STIs.

“I am deeply honoured, and I accept this award on behalf of all the human rights and social justice warriors tackling inequalities around the world today,” said Ms Byanyima. “I will continue to be your outspoken ally, promoting inclusivity, fighting stigma and discrimination, and championing equal access to healthcare and human rights for all.”

“Your tireless advocacy for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, has not gone unnoticed, said Michael Ighodaro, Co-founder, Global Black Gay Men Connect. “Your dedication is truly commendable. Your voice has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration for countless individuals and organizations across the globe.

Gay men and other men who have sex with men continue to be stigmatized and marginalized, keeping them away from health and social services and rendering them more at risk of becoming infected with HIV and less likely to seek treatment. In 2022, HIV prevalence amongst gay men and other men who have sex with men was almost 13% in Eastern and Southern Africa and 8% in West and Central Africa.

Today 67 countries still criminalize same sex relations. Evidence shows that criminalizing LGBTQI people for who they are and who they love prevents them from accessing HIV services. Even when they can access those services, they cannot do so with dignity due to the stigma and discrimination they face, which further exacerbates their vulnerability.

Countries that do not criminalize LGBTQI people are more likely to reach marginalized communities most affected by HIV. In recent years many African countries have moved away from the archaic laws that criminalize same sex sexual relations. Since 2016, Angola, Botswana, Gabon, Mauritius, and Seychelles have repealed laws criminalizing LGBTQI people. Progress has been uneven however, and alarming backsliding on punitive laws has been seen in a number of countries.

“Movements like Global Black Gay Men Connect is on the frontlines of the HIV response around the world. We must safeguard their leadership role to end AIDS and create a more just and equitable world.” said Ms Byanyima.

GLOBAL BLACK GAY MEN CONNECT

Global Black Gay Men Connect is an international, social justice platform that brings together black gay men from around the world to foster resilience against oppression and to advocate for the human rights and wellbeing of marginalized communities, including human rights centered HIV prevention and treatment services.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

UNAIDS statement on the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UNAIDS emphasizes that the upholding of everyone’s human rights is the essential underpinning of an effective HIV response.

UNAIDS reaffirms its commitment to keep human rights at the centre of its approach to ending the AIDS pandemic.

UNAIDS calls on all governments to uphold human rights, including by removing laws which harm people’s rights and by bringing in laws which uphold the rights of every person, including people in marginalized communities.

With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a goal agreed to by world leaders in 2015. While the world has made great progress towards this goal, this progress has not been enjoyed by everyone. The end of AIDS is a goal that can only be achieved through ensuring everyone’s human rights. 

It is more important now, than ever, that the world works in a coordinated, sustained, and effective manner to achieve human rights for all. The gains made in human rights in the last 75 years will be lost if leaders do not stand up to the global anti-rights movement.  Attacks on women’s rights, the rights of LGBTQ people, sexual and reproductive health and rights, on democracy and on civic space are not only a threat to everyone’s freedom, they are a threat to everyone’s health.

To help protect the gains made on human rights in the last 75 years, and to keep the world on the path to end AIDS by 2030, UNAIDS pledges: 

1. To scale up its work with countries and communities to help remove discriminatory laws that prevent people from enjoying their right to health;
2. To expand its work to end inequalities in the HIV response by working further to reduce all forms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination;
3. To be a strong advocate for the protection and promotion of the human rights of the world’s most marginalized people and to counter the global anti-rights movement;
4. To work towards ending all forms of gender-based violence, one of the most persistent and egregious of human rights violations;
5. To support the leadership of people living with or affected by HIV – including adolescents, young people and women in all their diversity, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs – to meaningfully participate in the HIV response and decisions that affect their lives.  

The path that ends AIDS is a rights path. To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s human rights.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.