International advocacy against HIV

International advocacy against HIV-based human rights abuses and discrimination may
seem remote from realities at the grass roots level and therefore not appear to be a priority area for
many youth organizations… However, on closer examination, international governmental
organizations (IGOs) – including the United Nations System offer a number of concrete means to
advocate for improved respect for human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS. They can:
Σ• Develop and articulate human rights norms relating to HIV/AIDS. In 1991, the UN Human Rights
Committee discussed the question of laws that make homosexuality a punishable offence. The Committee
issued a statement concluding that: “…the criminalization of homosexual practices cannot be considered a
reasonable means or proportionate measure to achieve the aim of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS…”
Σ• Hold governments accountable for HIV-related human rights abuses, through human rights
monitoring and protection mechanisms. For example, the UN Human Rights Commission assumes such a
monitoring role: it has asked states to report back to the Commission by 2001, on the implementation of the
International Guidelines on Human Rights and HIV/AIDS. Another example, this one at regional level, is the
Inter-American Human Rights Court and the European Court of Human Rights which through judicial rulings
can protect human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Σ• Advocate for state compliance under the human rights conventions signed by the country. For
example, when a government signs or ratifies the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is obliged to report
back to the United Nations on a regular basis on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee of the
Rights of the Child examines these reports.
The international human rights machinery thus presents many opportunities for action by non-governmental
organizations. To get effectively involved, the first step is to learn more about those mechanisms and institutions
where human rights and HIV/AIDS are discussed at the international level