Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


New UN Commission Probes HIV and the Law

   Joe DeCapua 24 June 2010

   A new U.N. commission was launched Thursday to look at how laws affect
   national HIV/AIDS responses.

   The  U.N.  Development Program (UNDP) and UNAIDS say, âNearly 30 years
   into  the  epidemic,  there are many countries in which negative legal
   environments  undermine  HIV response and punish, rather than protect,
   people in need.â

   Members of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law include experts on
   law, public health, human rights and HIV/AIDS.  Theyâll recommend how
   the  law  can  âbetter  supportâ  universal  access to HIV prevention,
   treatment and care.

   The  U.N.  agencies say, âLaws which criminalize men who have sex with
   men,  transgender  people,  drug  users and/or sex workers can make it
   difficult to provide essential HIV prevention or treatment services to
   people at high risk of infection.â

   UNDP  Administrator Helen Clark says that the ânext generationâ of HIV
   responses  must  focus  on  human rights by improving legal and social
   environments.  She says, âSome 106 countries still report having laws
   and  policies  that  present  significant  obstacles  to effective HIV
   responses.â

   UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe says, âThe time has comeâ¦to respond to the
   voice of the voiceless.â

   But  laws  have  had  a  positive  effect,  too.  Many countries have
   legislation  to  protect  against stigma and discrimination and ensure
   the right to treatment.

   âWhere  the  law  has  guaranteed women equal inheritance and property
   rights,  it has reduced the impact of HIV on women, children, families
   and communities.â

   The  Global Commission on HIV and the Law is scheduled to announce its
   recommendations in December 2011.

.