HIV and human rights
Human rights violations against women, sexual minorities and those on the margins of society such as people who use drugs increases their vulnerability to HIV. Violations can take the form of everyday stigma and discrimination as well as the aggressive actions of police or others in authority.
Many Key Correspondents advocate for the rights of women, sex workers, sexual minorities, people who use drugs and people living with HIV. They report the human reality of rights violations as a way to bring governments to account and advocate for fairer systems that enable all members of society to stay healthy and well.
Prisoners in Zambia need better access to HIV services
As the Zambia Prison service embarks on a campaign to reduce HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men, gay rights activists say more needs to be done to tackle homophobia and discrimination in the country. Prisoners are one … more
Why is HIV-related stigma still rife in Uganda?
More than three decades since the first case of HIV was diagnosed in Uganda, it is inexcusable that stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV still rear their ugly heads among us. In one way or another, many Ugandans … more
Forced sterilisation and other rights violations of HIV positive women must end, urges Graça Machel
Graça Machel has called for an end to impunity for violations of the rights of women living with HIV, such as forced sterilisation. The former first lady of Mozambique and South Africa was chairing a debate at the International AIDS Conference in Durban last week. more
Discrimination behind HIV rise in transgender women
“I was born a boy but in my mind I’m a girl. People need to be open, stop judging us, let us wear (clothes) the way we feel so that we can be comfortable and enjoy our lives.” These are … more
Nigerian laws give conflicting message on HIV and homophobia
In Nigeria since the introduction of an anti-homosexuality law in 2014 which criminalises LGBT people, increasing homophobia has been having a negative impact on the HIV response. more
A dangerous life if you’re gay: Malawi’s homophobic legislation
Failure by the government to come up with a clear-cut stance on homosexuality is endangering the lives of gays in Malawi. more
Homophobia in Zimbabwe prevents access to HIV services
Mandla is a bright young man who knows his right to access HIV services, but homophobic attitudes in his community prevented him going to a health clinic for a long time. more
Malawian gays face homophobia at public health facilities
It’s a cold April morning, yet tension in the room full of advocates for the rights of sexual minority groups, makes it feel like a hot summer afternoon. more
Our correspondents are writing for change on HIV issues relating to young people, as well as drug use.