This version of the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS

This version of the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights
consolidates the Guidelines fi rst published in 1998 and revised Guideline 6 fi rst published in
2002. Because of the consolidation, paragraph numbering has changed, and references to
the Guidelines should include reference to the consolidated version to avoid confusion as
to paragraph numbering. Other minor editorial changes have been made with regard to the
introduction, summary and use of some terms. For example, “HIV/AIDS” is usually shortened
to “HIV” and is intended to include both conditions, and “PLWHA” has been changed to
“PLHIV”। Other than that, the content of the Guidelines has not been revised or altered.
It has been ten years since the International Guidelines were adopted by the Second International Consultation on
HIV/AIDS and Human Rights in 1996. In terms of the fast and ever-evolving epidemic, much has happened in this decade, both good and bad. Evidence of the effectiveness of a treatment for HIV was first announced in 1996, which for many changed HIV from a situation of hopelessness to a manageable health condition. But as the HIV epidemic cast its glaring light on the vast inequity in health care across the globe, people living with HIV, among others, began to demand that something be done about the fact that millions were dying of a treatable condition. In 2001, the Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution in which it stated that the right to the highest attainable standard of health includes access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Following this, in 2002, OHCHR and UNAIDS sponsored the Third International Consultation on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights in order to revise Guideline 6 (consolidated into this reprint) to reflect the human rights dimensions of access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.