Promoting human rights in HIV response: Regional and subregional strategies and best practices
12-13 February 2019, Room XII, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

This consultation will discuss all relevant issues and challenges pertaining to respect for and the protection and fulfilment of human rights in the context of the response to HIV, with a focus on regional and subregional strategies and best practices.

The consultation will explore the current setting in the HIV response towards ending AIDS by 2030, exploring particularly human rights in the HIV response, challenges and opportunities. Following the mandate of resolution 38/8 from the Human Rights Council, the consultation will also discuss how to improve human rights in HIV response through regional and subregional strategies. In order to ensure human rights to and through health are upheld in the HIV response, the consultation will also consider regional accountability mechanisms.

Finally, the consultation will also address how to best deliver on leaving no one behind, particularly in addressing stigma, discrimination, violence and abuse. Following the consultation, OHCHR will prepare a report on its outcome, identifying regional and subregional strategies and best practices to promote human rights in the HIV response.

Documents of the meeting

We need action on human rights

“The HIV epidemic is a human rights epidemic. An epidemic of human rights loss, denial, derailment and in some instances abuse and violation.” With these words, Kate Gilmore, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, opened the Consultation on Promoting Human Rights in the HIV Response.

But while there are commitments, treaties and agreements, action is needed—this was the call from the consultation, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 12 and 13 February, which sought to share regional and subregional strategies and best practices.

The consultation heard that stigma and discrimination, poor access to justice and punitive laws, policies and practices are barriers to the most vulnerable people accessing HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care.

Throughout the event, there was a central theme of removing harmful criminal laws, funding human rights and working closely with the community, through a call for national and regional institutions to listen, act, lead, reform and fund.

While the traditional human rights barriers—for example, stigma and discrimination and criminalization—persist, new problems are emerging. Read more via UNAIDS