On Thursday, the UN Human Rights Council highlighted that global efforts against HIV/AIDS remain woefully inadequate, leading to severe repercussions. Deputy UN High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif reported that over nine million individuals lack treatment, with 4,000 girls and young women newly infected weekly, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. She stressed that while HIV is “entirely treatable and preventable… the world is off track in ending AIDS.”
Al-Nashif underscored the harmful impact of stigma and discrimination on progress, stating, “Together, we have the power and the responsibility to change this. When human rights are promoted, health is protected.” Other speakers also called for rights-based approaches to ensure universal treatment access, highlighting that legal discrimination against marginalized groups continues to obstruct necessary services.
Echoing Mandela’s sentiment that HIV is “more than a disease – it is a human rights issue,” Florence Riako Anam from GNP+ noted that criminalization based on sexual orientation and drug use impedes HIV responses. Surveys indicate that nearly one in four individuals involved face stigma.
Vuyiseka Dubula of the Global Fund asserted that dismantling human rights barriers is crucial to ending AIDS, calling attention to gender inequalities that affect health outcomes. Dubula celebrated a 61% reduction in new infections and 73% decrease in AIDS-related deaths over two decades but stated further action is essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Adeeba Kamarulzaman from WHO advocated for compassion in addressing the epidemic. She pointed to Malaysia’s decriminalization of drug use, which led to improved knowledge and lower incidence rates. “When we choose compassion over cruelty, when we invest in people instead of punishing them, we save lives,” she affirmed.
Erika Castellanos, a transgender activist in Belize, shared her journey, illustrating enduring stigma even after the criminalization of homosexuality was abolished. She remarked on the societal barriers that persist, stating, “I am alive – because of an HIV response that valued my life.”
This powerful testimony reminded attendees that human rights must remain at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS, as compassion and empowerment can ultimately bring about change.
The UN Human Rights Council revealed that global efforts against HIV/AIDS are inadequate, with millions lacking treatment. Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to progress. Activists and officials advocate for rights-based, compassionate approaches that can help dismantle obstacles and reduce infection rates. Voices from affected individuals underscored the need for dignity and empowerment in addressing the epidemic.
The discussion at the UN highlights a critical need for compassion and human rights to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic effectively. Despite progress made in some regions, stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws continue to obstruct treatment access and hinder global efforts. The voices of activists remind us that prioritising human dignity can lead to better health outcomes, urging an urgent call to action for all stakeholders in the fight against HIV.
Original Source: news.un.org
