Human Rights and HIV/AIDS Sofia Gruskin “Time to Deliver” Wednesday August

HIVand Human Rights: Making the Connections

Some HIV/AIDS-Related Rights The right to life, survival, and development The right to equality and non-discrimination The right to travel The right to bodily integrity and security of the person The right to an identity The right to privacy The right to seek, receive and impart information The right to food The right to health The right to housing The right to social security The right to be free from torture The right to association The right to the benefits of scientific progress The right to education Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

HIV Related Stigma HIV Related Discrimination Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

HIV/AIDS  Human Rights HIV/AIDS  Human Rights HIV/AIDS  Human Rights Basic Conceptual Relationships Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

Different Approaches To The Work Of HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Advocacy Legal Standards and Accountability Program design, implementation, and evaluation [a “rights-based approach”] It is always important to be clear how rights language is being used and for what purpose.

International Human Rights Documents Relevant to HIV/AIDS 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)* 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination** 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights** 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights** 1979 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women** 1985 Convention Against Torture** 1990 Convention on the Rights of the Child** 2002 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families ** * The UDHR is not a legally binding document, but has served as inspiration for, and incorporated into, all the human rights treaties that have followed. ** Legally binding on nations that have ratified

International human rights law defines what governments can do to us, cannot do to us, and should do for us. Human rights law is meant to be equally applicable to everyone, everywhere in the world, across all borders and across all cultures and religions. Human rights are universal, interrelated and indivisible. Human rights are primarily about the relationship between the people and the state. International human rights law consists of the obligations that governments have agreed they have in order to be effective in promoting and protecting our rights. Every government in the world has committed to promoting and protecting rights in the context of HIV and AIDS. What human rights are: definitional precepts Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

Different Approaches To The Work Of HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Advocacy Legal Standards and Accountability Program design, implementation, and evaluation [a “rights-based approach”] It is always important to be clear how rights language is being used and for what purpose.

A rights-based approach to HIV/AIDS refers to the processes of: Using human rights as a framework for policy and program development. Assessing and addressing the human rights implications of any HIV/AIDS-related policy, program or legislation. Making human rights an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS-related policies and programs. Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

Critical Components of A Rights- Based Approach to HIV/AIDS Attention to the Legal and Policy Context Participation Non-discrimination The Right to Health (availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality) Transparency and Accountability

Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS Prevention Care, Support and Treatment HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Reducing Vulnerability Children Orphaned and Made Vulnerable by HIV/AIDS Alleviating Social and Economic Impact Research and Development HIV/AIDS in Conflict and Disaster-affected Regions Resources Follow up: - National Level - Regional Level - Global Level Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

Concluding Points Human rights are relevant to people infected, affected and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The need to promote and protect human rights in the response to HIV/AIDS has been clearly spelled out in international sources. A rights-based response to HIV and AIDS is the most effective. Many presentations at this conference will raise human rights concerns. Be on the lookout for how human rights are considered in the actions being suggested. Program on International Health and Human Rights Harvard School of Public Health

Thank You! Sofia Gruskin