The Introduction to this report sets out the shocking Statistics of the epidemic – 33.4 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. An effective response is required to avert the devastation wreaked on communities around the world by the epidemic.
This impact is disproportionately felt in developing countries and vulnerable populations (those whose human rights are already not fully respected).
The Background highlights important features of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Windhoek Resolution (1998). It gives examples of political leaders who have made Supportive public statements, and regional/national initiatives by parliamentarians who have made the HIV/AIDS and human rights connection.
A brief outline is given of the international law basis of the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights. These Guidelines require States Parties to human rights treaties to review, and if necessary amend, their laws, policies and practices to ensure compliance with defined norms. Certain rights, including health, nondiscrimination,
privacy, education, information, autonomy, liberty, freedom of expression and association, and freedom from inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment are then examined specifically in the context of HIV/AIDS.
The Handbook analyses each of the 12 International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights and gives best practice examples of their implementation, in terms of
content and/or process, at national and sometimes local and regional levels.
