Panel discussion on the realization of human rights in sustaining and increasing the gains made in the HIV response and leaving no one behind
Joint Statement delivered by ILGA World which APCOM is one of the signatories
Mr President,
This is a joint statement.
In 2015, UN Member States took a political commitment to end the epidemic of AIDS by 2030.
In 2021, Member States agreed to meet the 10-10-10 social enablers targets that are central to HIV response: removing punitive legal and policy frameworks; reducing stigma and discrimination; and addressing gender-based inequalities and gender-based violence. These commitments are still largely unmet.
Outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, Key Populations continue to account for 80% of new HIV infections. In 2022, the relative risk of acquiring HIV was 23 times higher for gay men and other men who have sex with men, 20 times higher for transgender women, 14 times higher for people who inject drugs and 9 times higher for sex workers.
The existence of punitive and discriminatory laws and policies on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, HIV status, and on drug use and sex work continue to be a main obstacle in the response to HIV/AIDS and therefore an infringement on States’ obligations under international human rights law and their commitment to the 2030 agenda.
Mr. President,
The recent global pushback on gender, human rights of women, LGBTI people, SRHRJ, democracy and civic space is a threat to the gains made in the HIV response has a disproportionate detrimental impact on key populations.
The global HIV response was already facing significant and growing financial challenges in the context of the debt crisis and increased austerity measures. Now, with the funding freeze carried out by the US Government, lives are on the line: people in need of HIV testing or prevention or who are living with HIV and dependent on daily antiretroviral medicine are unable to access the life-saving HIV services they need. Community-led advocacy against punitive and discriminatory laws and policies is also at risk.
We call on UN Member States to fulfill their international obligations and honor their political commitments to meet the 10-10-10 social enablers targets, ensuring that the response to HIV is community-led and to take immediate action to close the funding gap before irreversible harm occurs worldwide.
