Guiding Principles

ICASO is committed to:

  • The central role of people, communities and their organizations in developing and implementing national and international policies and programs.
  • The right of each community-based organization to determine its own priorities, methods of organization, and programs, and to have those choices respected by governments and international agencies.
  • Ensuring the protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all people living with, affected by, and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
  • The GIPA principle that advocates and promotes the "greater involvement of people living with, and affected by HIV/AIDS" in all aspects of prevention, care and support and research.
  • Ensuring that the needs of women living with, affected by and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS are addressed, and that they are guaranteed an equal voice in policy and program development and implementation.
  • Ensuring that the needs of young people and children living with, affected by and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS are addressed, and that they are guaranteed an equal voice in policy and program formulation and implementation.
  • Non-discrimination and non-stigmatization on the grounds of HIV status, gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, age, cultural or social class, citizenship status, drug use, or employment in the sex industry.
  • Removing fear, coercion and deception from all HIV/AIDS policies, programs and services.
  • Ensuring that relevant international programs are coordinated, and involve partnerships among those living with, and affected by HIV/AIDS, communities and their organizations.