Human Rights
Since HIV and AIDS affects most aspects of people's lives, it raises many social, economic, and cultural issues that relate to human rights. Most of the issues pre-date the epidemic, and are exacerbated by it, such as stigmatization and discrimination against key populations, those who are most marginalized by society and most vulnerable to infection. Violations of human rights such as discrimination and the denial of treatment increases vulnerability to HIV, ill-health and even death.
The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights is the most important policy document that provides guidance to States on how to take concrete steps to protect human rights in the context on HIV and AIDS. ICASO has produced series of publications to support community sector understanding of human rights and HIV and how they can be implemented at the national level: The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights: How are they being used and applied?, “Human Rights in a Nutshell” and “Stories from the frontlines”. ICASO also supports efforts by community sector advocates to monitor and hold governments to account in protecting human rights, particularly of people living with HIV.
ICASO has for many years been involved in advocacy efforts to develop policies and laws that support best practice in public health and that protect human rights. ICASO is supporting the review of the national targets set for universal access from a human rights perspective. ICASO also provides advice to UNAIDS through participation on the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights.
