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.
Researchers put lens on sexual violence and sex work
Over 350 researchers, gender activists, policy makers, practitioners and survivors from around the world convened in South Africa for the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum this week. more
LGBT rights must be protected to ensure healthy lives for all
Next week, 193 governments will attend the United Nation’s General Assembly in New York to adopt new sustainable development goals. But how serious are they about ensuring no one is left behind in the goal to ensure healthy lives for all? more
The inside scoop with organiser of Delhi’s first LGBT flash mob
Gautam Yadav catches up with Harmless Hugs’ team member Shashank Kashyap for the inside story on the LGBT flash mob that hit the headlines. more
Video: I’m a transgender sex worker, but only God can judge me
Amnesty International’s new policy on sex work is an important milestone, but the fight for sex worker rights is far from over. more
Does my profile picture hurt you?
When the United States made same-sex marriage a constitutional right, I celebrated alongside thousands in the global community by changing my Facebook profile to the colours of the rainbow. more
Amnesty International policy: sex workers v Hollywood stars
As the debate over sex work heats up, Amnesty International must listen to sex workers, not Hollywood stars, and finalise its draft policy calling for decriminalisation of sex work. more
Kenya must protect human rights to attain zero HIV infections
Human rights activists in Kenya are calling for a stop to ongoing anti-gay comments made by public figures in the country. more
Malawi inmates living with HIV appeal for supplementary food
Malawian inmates living with HIV have sounded an emergency call for help, requesting authorities to supply fortified foods to improve the health of inmates living with the disease. more
Photo story: life as a gay man in Kenya
In Kenya, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are facing increasing discrimination. Here Dennis shares his story of dealing with stigma in health facilities and in his community. more
Homophobia in Cameroon: “We felt like prey hiding from a predator”
On the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, a gay man from Cameroon speaks out about how homophobia forced him to live a lie and flee his community. more
Homophobic violence hinders HIV response in Kenya
As the world embarks on an ambitious strategy to end AIDS by 2030, failure to protect the sexual and human rights of sexual minorities is putting this goal and many lives at risk. more
Decriminalising homosexuality in Kenya will help reduce HIV
In Kenya, stigma and discrimination against sexual minorities, particularly men who have sex with men and transgender people, is putting them at increased risk of HIV. more
HIV stigma drives sex work in Northern Kenya
When Zeinab left her home village in Northern Kenya to look for a job, she had one thing in mind; work hard to help her struggling family. But her plans were destroyed by something that would keep her from home for the rest of her life. more
African American history month: from civil rights to HIV
Every year, February is dedicated to African American history but this year I want to use the opportunity to address a modern equality issue that African Americans must fight for: equal access to HIV services. more
When hours turn to days: a ridiculed HIV woman stands strong
To her, the decision to test for HIV was a forced one. Forced by the fact her husband left her because she was growing thin, always feeling tired and occasionally falling sick. more
Bolivian minister breaks citizen’s HIV status confidentiality
HIV activists are in uproar following the Bolivian Minister of Health’s disclosure during a press conference of the HIV status of a Bolivian citizen. more
Our correspondents are writing for change on HIV issues relating to young people, as well as drug use.