the freedom of assembly and association with others is essential to the formation of HIV-related advocacy

Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association”. This right has been frequently denied to non-governmental organizations working in the field of human rights, AIDS service organizations (ASOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), with applications for registration being refused as a result of their perceived criticism of Governments or of the focus of some of their activities, e.g. sex work. In general, non-governmental organizations and their members involved in the field of human rights should enjoy the rights and freedoms recognized in human rights instruments and the protection of national law. the freedom of assembly and association with others is essential to the formation of HIV-related advocacy,, lobby and self-help groups to represent interests and meet the needs of various groups affected by HIV, including people living with HIV. Public health and an effective response to HIV are undermined by obstructing interaction and dialogue with and among such groups, other social actors, civil society and Government.
140। Furthermore, persons living with HIV should be protected against direct or indirect discrimination based on HIV status in their admission to organizations of employers or trade unions, continuation as members and participation in their activities, in conformity with ILO instruments on freedom of association and collective bargaining. At the same time, workers’ and employers’ organizations can be important factors in raising awareness on issues connected with HIV and in dealing with its consequences in the workplace.
Realization of the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs,54 as well as in cultural life,55 is essential to guaranteeing participation by those most affected by HIV in the development and implementation of HIV-related policies and programmes। These human rights are reinforced by the principles of participatory democracy; this assumes the involvement of people living with HIV and their families, women, children and groups vulnerable to HIV in designing and implementing programmes that will be most effective by being tailored to the specific needs of these groups. It is essential that people living with HIV remain fully integrated in the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of community life.People living with HIV have the right to their cultural identity and to various forms of creativity, both as a means of artistic expression and as a therapeutic activity. Increasing recognition has been given to the expression of creativity as a popular medium for imparting HIV information, combating intolerance, and as a therapeutic form of solidarity.
In order to meet these obligations in the context of HIV, States should ensure the provision of appropriate HIV-related information, education and support, including access to services for sexually transmitted diseases, to the means of prevention (such as condoms and clean injection equipment) and to voluntary and confidential testing with pre-and post-test counselling, in order to enable individuals to protect themselves and others from infection. States should also ensure a safe blood supply and implementation of “universal precautions” to prevent transmission in settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, dental practices and acupuncture clinics, as well as informal settings, such as during home births.