Global policy work on stigma and discrimination
The need to challenge HIV-related stigma and discrimination regularly features in the global policy and advocacy work of the Alliance.
A recent example is our submission to the UK Government’s International Development Committee hearings on HIV/AIDS, marginalised groups and emerging epidemics. In this submission we argued that global commitments towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care risk failing unless substantial investment in programmes to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination are advanced.
Our policy recommendations, outlined below, are based on many years' experience working with marginalised populations. Despite widespread HIV risk and vulnerability amongst sex workers, men who have sex with men, drug users and people living with HIV, a global HIV services gap exists which sees very low access to basic HIV services for many of these people, along with widespread violations of human rights.
We argued that HIV is fuelled by human rights violations and that human rights violations exacerbate the impact of AIDS. Very few interventions to address HIV-related human rights violations are funded, designed or implemented.
We called on the UK Government to:
- Sponsor a resolution for the creation of a Special Rapporteur on HIV and human rights and the UN Human Rights Council convene an international meeting to establish an International HIV and Human Rights Action Plan.
- Develop a UK strategy with both the UK Department for International Development and the Foreign Office for integrated action on HIV and human rights.
- Appoint a Special Representative for Sexual Minority Rights.
- Address the commitment in the UK Department for International Development’s Taking Action strategy to vulnerable populations and human rights with funding which can be tracked and monitored.
