GENEVA, 28 March 2014—UNAIDS welcomes the recent lifting of all restrictions on entry, stay and residence for people living with HIV in Tajikistan. The amendments to the Law on HIV/AIDS were signed by the President of Tajikistan Emomalii Rahmon, on 14 March 2014.

Restrictions that limit an individual’s movement based solely on HIV-positive status are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions protect public health or prevent HIV transmission. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

Tajikistan’s updated law removes mandatory HIV testing for all foreigners, including the personnel of foreign missions, refugees and stateless people. With these changes, all HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence are eliminated in Tajikistan. UNAIDS will continue to work with Tajikistan to support a comprehensive and human rights-based response to the HIV epidemic.

With the removal of Tajikistan’s restrictions, UNAIDS counts 40 countries, territories, and areas that impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence based on HIV status. 

GENEVA, 24 March 2014—On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, UNAIDS is making an urgent call for global efforts to be stepped up to ensure earlier testing and treatment of TB and HIV. TB remains a leading cause of death among people living with HIV. In 2012, there were an estimated 1.1 million new cases of TB among people living with HIV—with 75% of new cases occurring among people living in Africa.

The dual impact of TB and HIV is devastating for millions of people and their families. This is unacceptable as TB is both preventable and curable. By expanding access to basic TB prevention for people living with HIV, the target of reducing TB deaths in people living with HIV by 50% can be reached by 2015.

Scientific studies have shown that early HIV diagnosis and access to treatment for HIV can reduce a person’s risk of TB by 65%. When treatment of TB is combined with ART, the risk of TB disease can be reduced by around 90%.

People in high-burden settings should have the opportunity to learn their HIV status and start treatment early in order to prevent active TB disease. If people living with HIV develop active TB disease then immediate ART can reduce their chance of dying by around 50%. Unfortunately, despite what is known about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of both HIV and TB, millions of people often discover too late that they have HIV and TB.

UNAIDS launched Treatment 2015 to expand access to HIV treatment, which is important to both HIV and TB prevention efforts. UNAIDS is calling for an innovative, integrated effort to prevent HIV and TB—working together to increase resources and reach everyone living with HIV with key TB prevention interventions, including earlier access to HIV and TB testing and treatment.

UNAIDS is working closely with countries, donors and partners, including the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, to produce sustainable solutions to fully integrate and deliver critical HIV and TB services.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on International Women’s Day

GENEVA, 8 March 2014—We know well that it is our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters who make it happen. Women around the world are running countries, businesses and raising children. In the AIDS response, it is more likely to be women who care for the sick. It is women who care for their families and communities and it is women who look after the most vulnerable in society.

“Women make it happen, but it doesn’t always happen for women.” Women face many forms of discrimination.

It is also women who suffer violence at the hands of their partners, are more likely to become infected with HIV and are marginalized in many societies. One out of three women is physically or sexually abused by a partner in her lifetime. Every hour, 50 young women are newly infected with HIV. Half of all people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries are women––and new HIV infections among women are on the rise in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Women must be free to make decisions about their health, lives and futures. On this International Women’s Day, let’s all stand up for women, together we can make it happen. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Statement from Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

GENEVA, 28 February 2014—On the eve of Zero Discrimination Day, 1 March, I am deeply concerned about the growing wave of punitive approaches and laws in different countries. Laws which risk undermining the rights to health and non-discrimination, as well as access to life-saving services for key populations, including people living with HIV, women, men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who use drugs.

When UNAIDS announced that 1 March 2014 would become the first Zero Discrimination Day, we could not have imagined the sadly ironic timing of this important day. For all who seek a more just world, for all who strive for peace and prosperity—we must demand an end to inequality, discrimination and violence against people living with HIV, LGBT people, sex workers, people who use drugs and other vulnerable populations.

In recent days, leaders of the United Nations have called for an end to discrimination. In his recent address to the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that hatred of any kind has no place in the 21st century and that we must raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people.

UNAIDS has consistently highlighted that discrimination is a violation of human rights and a major barrier to an effective AIDS response. Yet many people living with HIV or vulnerable to it continue to face unfair treatment or unjustified criminalization.

UNAIDS deeply regrets that the international community is observing the first Zero Discrimination Day shortly after Nigeria and Uganda have enacted laws that further criminalize LGBT populations and people who support them. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of India re-criminalized adult consensual same-sex sexual conduct; and in June 2013, the Russian Federation passed a law prohibiting public information on sexual orientation and gender identity among minors.

Many other vulnerable groups also face punitive laws and illegal law enforcement—including sex workers and people who use drugs, whose daily lives are filled with discrimination, violence and abuse. In several countries in the world, people who use drugs, or are suspected of drug use, are detained without due process in detention centres where they are denied health care and face substandard conditions. People living with HIV continue to face high levels of stigma and discrimination, being denied health care, education, employment, housing and freedom of movement based on their HIV status. Such discrimination and punitive approaches pose huge setbacks to both health and development.

Discrimination has many forms, often disproportionately affecting women. Statistics show that globally, one in three women will face gender-based violence. In only four out of ten countries worldwide do equal numbers of girls and boys attend secondary school, and women are 10% less likely to be literate than men. 

The AIDS response has provided valuable lessons in human value and dignity, inclusion and participation. It has also taught us that discrimination can be deadly; that punitive laws foster hate, fear and violence and consistently put HIV prevention and treatment services out of reach for people who need them the most. The global AIDS response has shown that only by turning discrimination and denial into protection and acceptance, can society reach out to underserved groups and ensure they can access the services for their health and live productive lives of dignity––this in turn contributes to human security and global development.

On this eve of Zero Discrimination Day, I have been moved and inspired to see people from all walks of life answer the call for zero discrimination. People living with and affected by HIV and human rights defenders are on the front lines—and lawmakers, business leaders, activists, celebrities and young people are joining together to promote a different kind of world where no one has to fear discrimination or violence because of who they are, how they live their lives or whom they love.

On Zero Discrimination Day, I ask you to speak up if someone is discriminated against or threatened––to raise awareness and to celebrate diversity. Everyone, everywhere, has a right to their dignity, security, health and dreams.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

If signed into law the controversial bill would toughen punishments against gay people in Uganda

GENEVA, 18 February 2014—UNAIDS is deeply concerned about a bill in Uganda that would further toughen punishments against gay men.

The controversial bill, which was passed by the country’s parliament in December 2013, calls for a 14-year jail term for a first conviction, and imprisonment for life for the offence of ‘aggravated homosexuality’. The signing of the bill into law would have serious human rights implications.

“Uganda was the first country in Africa to break the conspiracy of silence on AIDS—and to give voice to the most marginalized—but now I am scared that this bill will take Uganda backwards, relinquishing its leadership role in the AIDS response,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I strongly urge the Ugandan authorities to reject the bill and ensure the human rights and dignity of all people in Uganda.”

The bill also has public health implications; studies show that when gay people face discrimination including abuse, incarceration and prosecution—they are less likely to seek HIV testing, prevention and treatment services.

In 2012, there were 1.5 million people living with HIV in Uganda and 140 000 new HIV infections. Globally gay men are around 13 times more likely to become infected with HIV than the general population, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure safe access to HIV prevention and treatment services for all people everywhere.

UNAIDS urges the government of Uganda, and all governments around the world, to protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people through repealing criminal laws against adult consensual same sex sexual conduct; implementing laws to protect people from violence and discrimination; promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia; and ensuring access to health services including HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA, 14 January 2014—UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria express deep concern that access to HIV services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people will be severely affected by a new law in Nigeria––further criminalizing LGBT people, organizations and activities as well as people who support them.

The new law could prevent access to essential HIV services for LGBT people who may be at high risk of HIV infection, undermining the success of the Presidential Comprehensive Response Plan for HIV/AIDS which was launched by President Goodluck Jonathan less than a year ago.

The health, development and human rights implications of the new law are potentially far-reaching. Homosexuality is already criminalized in Nigeria. The new law further criminalizes LGBT people, organizations and activities. The law states, “A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisation, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable to conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.” The law also criminalizes any individuals or group of people who support “the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies and organisations, processions or meetings in Nigeria.” The conviction is also 10 years imprisonment.

Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic globally––in 2012, there were an estimated 3.4 million people living with HIV in Nigeria. In 2010, national HIV prevalence in Nigeria was estimated at 4% among the general population and 17% among men who have sex with men. 

The provisions of the law could lead to increased homophobia, discrimination, denial of HIV services and violence based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. It could also be used against organizations working to provide HIV prevention and treatment services to LGBT people.

In the 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, all UN Member States committed to removing legal barriers and passing laws to protect populations vulnerable to HIV.

UNAIDS and the Global Fund call for an urgent review of the constitutionality of the law in light of the serious public health and human rights implications and urge Nigeria to put comprehensive measures in place to protect the ongoing delivery of HIV services to LGBT people in Nigeria without fear of arrest or other reprisals. UNAIDS and the Global Fund will continue to work with the Nigerian authorities and civil society organizations to ensure safe access to HIV services for all people in Nigeria.

UNAIDS and the Global Fund urge all governments to protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, through repealing criminal laws against adult consensual same sex sexual conduct; implementing laws to protect them from violence and discrimination; promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia; and ensuring that adequate health services are provided to address their needs.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA, 27 December 2013—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is deeply saddened by the death of Andrew Hunter, who was known and respected for his tireless promotion of the rights of people from key populations most at risk of HIV, particularly sex workers.

Mr Hunter was a driving force of the sex workers rights movement globally and across Asia and the Pacific for decades. He was the President of the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) and one of the founding members of the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) and NSWP.

“The global AIDS movement has lost a great advocate and activist who was a phenomenal force of energy,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Andrew was a courageous champion of sex worker-led HIV programming. We will miss his vision, energy and compassion."

Mr Hunter was a member of the UNAIDS Advisory Group on HIV and sex work. He also led NSWP and APNSW’s meaningful participation in the development of policies and tools on HIV and sex work, and on HIV treatment access.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

GENEVA/NEW DELHI, 12 December 2013—UNAIDS expresses its deep concern that, through its recent decision on the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the Supreme Court of India has re-criminalized adult consensual same sex sexual conduct. In 2009, the Delhi High Court had found unconstitutional the application of the 150-year-old law criminalizing “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” between consenting adults. Now, again in India, gay and other men who have sex with men, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face the possibility of criminal prosecution.

“The Delhi High Court decision in 2009 had restored dignity for millions of people in India, and was an example of the type of reform we need for supportive legal environments that are necessary for effective national AIDS responses,” said the Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé. “We want government and civil society to be able to provide HIV information and services to all people, including gay and other men who have sex with men, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, and for them to be able to access the services without fear of criminalization.”

The 2009 decision by the Delhi High Court to annul the law was widely considered a milestone against homophobia and towards zero HIV-related discrimination. In the past four years since the law was annulled, there has been a more than 50% increase in the number of sites providing HIV services for gay and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people in India.

For the protection of public health and human rights, UNAIDS calls on India and all countries to repeal laws that criminalize adult consensual same sex sexual conduct. Such criminalization hampers HIV responses across the world. These laws not only violate human rights but also make it more difficult to deliver HIV prevention and treatment services to a population which is particularly affected by HIV. On average globally, gay and other men who have sex with men are 13 times more likely than the rest of the population to be living with HIV.

UNAIDS urges all governments to protect the human rights of gay and other men who have sex with men, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, through repealing criminal laws against adult consensual same sex sexual conduct; implementing laws to protect them from violence and discrimination; promoting campaigns that address homophobia and transphobia; and ensuring that adequate health services are provided to address their needs.

In the 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, all UN Member States committed to removing legal barriers and passing laws to protect vulnerable populations. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

10 December 2013

I believe we can end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This is a goal we should all aspire to––but it can only happen if the human rights of all people vulnerable to and living with HIV are realized.

HIV has taught us that health and human rights are intricately linked and that we need to protect and respect human rights and be courageous enough to confront society’s wrongs. It is unacceptable that women and girls, sex workers, people who use drugs, migrants, prisoners, men who have sex with men and transgender people are assaulted, violated and murdered, and yet our conscience is not revolted, nor our sense of human responsibility challenged. How can the world accept that some people have access to safety and services while others are excluded because of legal and social status, income or sexual orientation? Even where HIV services exist, punitive laws and law enforcement can stand as implacable barriers. We must reject this double standard wherever we encounter it.

Human rights must be respected and fulfilled for everybody. People who are suffering, who are underground or who are hiding do not deserve silence—they deserve justice.

People living with and vulnerable to HIV have fought for and, in many places, won their human rights––the rights to nondiscrimination, to participation, to health in the form of HIV prevention and treatment, and to life. They have turned traditional development on its head by demanding “nothing about us without us”, refusing to be passive beneficiaries, demanding to be themselves agents of change.  But millions more do not benefit from health or human rights.

Achieving our vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths will demand human rights. Everyone has equal dignity and value, and everyone deserves the right to health and to life.

President Nelson Mandela said it well, “Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.” This is having the courage to end the AIDS epidemic; it is also having the courage to radically reshape our world—into a world where no-one is left behind. This is the legacy of President Mandela. Let us build on his legacy and make it the future—through human rights for all. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

We remember his extraordinary commitment to dignity, human rights and hope

GENEVA, 5 December 2013—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is greatly saddened by the death of South Africa’s former President, Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s greatest leaders and a passionate advocate for people living with HIV. 

“Nelson Mandela was a central figure in the AIDS movement. He was instrumental in laying the foundations of the modern AIDS response,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS.  “His actions helped save millions of lives and transformed health in Africa. He broke the conspiracy of silence and gave hope that all people should live with dignity.”

In 1994, Mr Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected President after the end of apartheid. He devoted much of his time to advocating for access to HIV treatment, ending stigma and ensuring all babies are born HIV free. He used his stature and presence on the global stage to persuade world leaders to act decisively on AIDS and tuberculosis.

In 2005, Mr Mandela took the bold decision to make a personal AIDS tragedy public. AIDS was still a taboo topic in South Africa, but he revealed at a news conference that his son had died from AIDS-related causes. His public revelation helped drive debate about HIV. And his support to people living with HIV helped to break down stigma and discrimination.

In one of his notable public statements about AIDS, Mr Mandela called on the world to be brave, “The more we lack the courage and the will to act, the more we condemn to death our brothers and sisters, our children and our grand-children. When the history of our times is written, will we be remembered as the generation that turned our backs in a moment of a global crisis or will it be recorded that we did the right thing?”

“Nelson Mandela’s vision and his steadfast commitment to social justice and personal bravery have inspired not only me but millions of people around the world to stand up and speak out for what they believe is right,” said Mr Sidibé. “He was my personal hero and showed me that even in the face of adversity it is possible to realize your dreams and move mountains.”

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners to maximize results for the AIDS response. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.