In light of advances in HIV

In light of advances in HIV-related treatment and antiretroviral medication, the current global disparity in access to treatment, as well as political and legal developments since the elaboration of the Guidelines in 1996, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Executive Director of UNAIDS decided to convene a Third International Consultation on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights on 25-26 July 2002 in Geneva in order toupdate Guideline 6. This document consolidates the original Guidelines with revised Guideline 6, together with its related commentary and recommendations for implementation.
Since their original publication in 1998 and that of revised Guideline 6 in 2002, the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights have provided important guidance to Governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups on the development and implementation of effective national strategies for combating HIV and AIDS. The Commission on Human Rights has asked States to take all necessary steps to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of HIV-related human rights as contained in the Guidelines, and has urged States to ensure that their laws, policies and practices comply with the Guidelines.8 The Secretary-General has submitted reports to the Commission on steps taken by Governments and United Nations organs, programmes and specialized agencies to promote and implement the Guidelines.9
Global resolve to halt and reverse the epidemic continues to strengthen. In the 2005 World Summit Outcome,10 world leaders committed to a massive scaling-up of HIV prevention, treatment and care with the aim of coming as close as possible to the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010 for all who need it. The political declaration of the 2006 High Level Meeting on AIDS affirmed and expanded these commitments.