WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan released a statement on 30 November 2010 on “Human rights – a central concern for the global HIV response.” An excerpt is presented below:

“…HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to undermine HIV responses. The fear of being shunned by their families and friends, marginalized in their communities or denied employment and other services is often the reason why people do not present for HIV testing or attend HIV services. All too often it is the negative attitudes and behaviours of health workers that make health services inaccessible and unacceptable to those people at greatest risk of HIV infection and in greatest need of prevention, treatment and care services. People living with HIV, drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men should be able to attend health services where they feel safe and are ensured the best possible and non-judgmental care.

The failure to promote and protect human rights increases vulnerability and can drive HIV epidemics. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to HIV; 80% of all women living with HIV are in this region. In Eastern Europe, over 50% of HIV cases are among people who inject drugs. In France, Netherlands and Spain, between 1/3 and 3/4 of new HIV infections are concentrated among migrants.

On the eve of a new decade, we need to address laws, policies, and regulations that increase HIV vulnerability and risk, impede access to health services or infringe on human rights, particularly for vulnerable and most-at-risk populations. In nearly 80 countries, same-sex sexual relations are criminalized, with 6 countries applying the death penalty. In over 50 countries and territories, there are restrictions on travel and residence for people living with HIV. In many countries drug users are sent to prison or compulsory rehabilitation programmes rather than being provided with effective treatment. The health sector has a critical role to play in promoting public health approaches and arguments when laws are made and strategies developed by other sectors.

Today, I call on all sectors to protect human rights, including the right to health, and to combat discrimination. Working with people living with HIV is critical for an effective HIV response and Member States need to be mindful of the commitments made in the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS to promote better legal and social environments for people to access HIV testing, prevention and treatment.

WHO is firmly committed to the goal of achieving universal access to key HIV services. However, this will not be possible unless we make sure that the human rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected and promoted.”

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2010/AIDS_Day_20101130/en/index.html