Join ILGA World, Frontline AIDS, International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW), and The Sexual Rights Initiative, with the support of the permanent missions of Colombia, Brazil, and Portugal, for a side event at the 58th UN Human Rights Council to outline a path forward for governments, UN agencies, and civil society in ensuring a human rights-based, sustainable HIV response.

The global commitment to end AIDS by 2030 is under threat. Funding cuts and ongoing human rights violations risk undoing pivotal gains.

Global leaders must recognise the essential role of human rights for a sustainable and equitable HIV response to reach people most affected by HIV. Meaningful investment in community-centred action is critical to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere.

Location: Room XXII, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Event language(s): English
Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Central European Time (time where you are based: see here)
Livestream: follow this link

Recent global cuts in aid, particularly to key funding streams, have severely impacted communities living with HIV, limiting access to essential healthcare and treatment. This has worsened disparities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

We are facing a critical global challenge. Despite significant progress, we are at risk of regressing, with a growing global health threat. Civil society resources are shrinking, human rights protections are under threat, and investments needed to achieve the SDGs—especially ending AIDS—are insufficient.

Criminalising laws and widespread stigma deter these groups from accessing the services and protections they need to protect themselves, their partners and their communities from HIV. Gender inequality, as well as human rights violations against key populations, also contribute to undermine a sustainable HIV response. These are not theoretical issues—they are tangible barriers that perpetuate the epidemic.

In July 2024, at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, member states adopted resolution 56/20 on human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS.

This resolution requested to convene a panel discussion during the current session

• discussing the realisation of human rights in sustaining and increasing the gains made in the HIV response
• providing recommendations to countries on that matter.

This panel discussion will take place on 6 March 2025 at the 58th UN Human Rights Council, and our side event will provide an important forum for discussion between the UN, diplomatic community and civil society organisations ahead of it.

Our side event will

1. provide a clear assessment of the HIV pandemic, identifying human rights barriers and gaps in policy and implementation that prevent communities from accessing inclusive, comprehensive healthcare for prevention and treatment
2. highlight the expertise of affected communities in identifying best practices and gaps, while encouraging decision-makers to ensure meaningful investments in a sustainable, equitable HIV response that prioritises community leadership
3. outline a path forward and clarifying the roles of governments, UN agencies, and civil society in ensuring a human rights-based, sustainable HIV response.

Panelists:

• Speakers:
  • Christine Stegling, UNAIDS
  • Melody Seherrie, Gender DynamiX
  • Keren Dunaway, International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW)
     
• Moderator:Nomtika Mjwana, Frontline AIDS