The importance of confronting stigma and discrimination in order to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 was the subject of a panel discussion on 1 March, Zero Discrimination Day. Representatives of UNAIDS, Brazil, India, Malawi and the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) highlighted good practices and appealed for action and leadership to protect and advance HIV-related human rights.

In his address, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, called for global efforts to address HIV-related barriers, discrimination and gender inequalities, which continue to leave millions of people behind. He pointed to the human rights tools and mechanisms available as outlined in a special issue of the Health and Human Rights Journal on HIV and human rights launched that day.

Deus Gumba, Malawi Parliamentary Chair on HIV/AIDS and Nutrition, spoke about Malawi’s experience in working with stakeholders to develop a progressive HIV and AIDS Bill in 2017. Rajiv K. Chander, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva, expressed India’s dedication to advancing zero discrimination in the response to HIV. He emphasized India’s leadership in ensuring access to affordable HIV treatment and adopting legislation prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV. Read more via UNAIDS