What do global law firm DLA Piper and UNAIDS have in common? Surprisingly, a lot. Both are working towards meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, both recognize the importance of the rule of law to development and equality and together they are working to strengthen legal protections and access to justice for people living with HIV and key populations.
DLA Piper is a global business law firm with offices in more than 40 countries and has one of the world’s largest pro bono practices led by a dedicated team of lawyers. In 2016, it donated more than 230 000 hours to pro bono and community projects. Rule of law and access to justice is at the heart of its work.
DLA Piper and UNAIDS have been collaborating for more than five years, assisting countries to improve their legal protections for people living with HIV and key populations. Before the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) existed, DLA Piper and UNAIDS were working together on the intersection between ending the AIDS epidemic (SDG 3), access to justice and the rule of law (SDG 16) and developing their public–private partnership (SDG 17).
With a new focus on the rule of law in the global community, and the importance of innovative partnerships, DLA Piper and UNAIDS have strengthened their collaboration. In 2017, DLA Piper seconded a full-time human rights lawyer to UNAIDS headquarters and UNAIDS and DLA Piper continue to explore new ways of working together to create a legally empowering environment for people living with HIV and key populations.
Thanks to the work of lawyers at DLA Piper we can provide even greater support to countries looking to build an enabling legal environment for people living with HIV and reduce legal and human rights barriers for preventing and treating HIV among the most vulnerable. UNAIDS' collaboration with DLA Piper shows that innovative partnerships and approaches --such as with law firms -- can play a critical role in supporting efforts to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Luisa Cabal Special Adviser on Human Rights and Gender, UNAIDS
“Without strong institutions, without access to justice and rule of law, people will be left behind. UNAIDS recognizes the importance of this, and of putting human rights and equality at the heart of its work. We’re proud to be working with UNAIDS to ensure individuals have the legal empowerment and protection they need to realize their right to health and a life of dignity.”
Nicolas Patrick Pro Bono Partner and Head of Responsible Business, DLA Piper
