Human Rights: the Cornerstone of an Effective Response to HIV and Sex Work

Human Rights: the Cornerstone of an Effective
Response to HIV and Sex Work
In the context of HIV, international human rights norms and pragmatic public health goals require
States to consider measures that may be considered controversial, particularly regarding the status of
women and children, sex workers, injecting drug users and men having sex with men. It is, however,
the responsibility of all States to identify how they can best meet their human rights obligations and
protect public health within their specific political, cultural and religious contexts.
International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights 2006:16
The United Nations is mandated to uphold international human rights standards as
reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other core human rights
instruments29. In addition to this overriding humanitarian imperative, experience has
demonstrated that effective HIV responses are grounded in the respect of human rights,
including non-discrimination on the grounds of real or perceived HIV status. Similarly,
the respect for the human rights of vulnerable populations is a precondition to their
involvement in national responses and the reduction of risk and harm.