Menu
Placeholder

First national symposium on HIV, law and human rights in Kenya

UNDP Regional Service Centre for Eastern and Southern Africa organised a regional meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa (24-25 October 2012) which was attended by 60 key stakeholders from national governments, civil society organisations and UN agencies from 16 different countries, to discuss key findings and recommendations from the Global Commission’s report. The regional meeting focused on priorities for the African Region with a view to support countries to strengthen their legal and regulatory environments for effective HIV responses. Taking forward the recommendations of the meeting, UNDP in partnership with KELIN, UNAIDS and NEPHAK, held the first national symposium on HIV, Law and Human Rights in Nairobi (30-31 October 2012).

Continue Reading...
Placeholder

First national conference on HIV and the law held in Malawi

In October 2012, the first ever national conference on HIV and law was held. This was a multi-stakeholder forum to discuss the report of a participatory national legal environment assessment, which is based on the findings and recommendations of the Commission’s report. The meeting concluded with a communique read by the Principal Secretary affirming Malawi’s commitment to act on evidence and deliver on human rights commitments by reviewing discriminatory and punitive laws and harmful practices as well as to focus on the protection of human rights of people living with HIV. The communique specifically cited the work of the Commission.

Continue Reading...
Placeholder

Cebu leads the way in the Philippines in prohibiting discrimination on the...

On 17 October 2012, Cebu, a city in the southern part of the Philippines, set a historic precedence in the fight for equal rights among marginalized populations in the country with the passage of the anti-discrimination ordinance which is closely aligned with the Commission’s recommendations. Showing strong commitment to the principles of equality and human rights, the City Council of Cebu unanimously approved a local legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and health status (i.e. HIV), among others. Other local governments, such as Davao City and Albay Province, are also now considering similar anti-discrimination legislation.

Continue Reading...
Placeholder

President of Indonesia signs decree for use of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis drugs

On 3 September 2012, the government of Indonesia took an important step to expand access to medicines and help save and improve lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B. The President of Indonesia signed a decree authorizing government use of patents for seven HIV/AIDS and hepatitis medicines. This measure could lead to widespread generic competition and generate major cost savings in the world’s fourth most populous country. The decree represents one of the most robust uses of public health related TRIPS flexibilities by a country since the World Trade Organization 1995 Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property came into force.

Continue Reading...