U.S. Agency for International Development
The Futures Group International
Research Triangle Institute
POL I CY
The Centre for Development and Population Activities
Human Rights are…
those freedoms and entitlements
invested in each person at birth
which are universal and inalienable
International Human Rights
1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1966: Int’l Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
1966: Int’l Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights
1979: Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women
“Where, after all, do universal human rights
begin? In small places, close to home—close
and so small they can not be seen on any maps
of the world. Yet they are the world of the
individual person; the neighborhood he lives in;
the school or college he attends; the factory,
farm or office where he works. Such are the
places where every man, woman and child seek
equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity
without discrimination. Unless these rights have
meaning there, they have little meaning
anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to
uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain
for progress in the larger world.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Traditional Public Health Response
Public
Health
conflicting
An example….
Tuberculosis
Human
Rights
An Expanded Response…
Public
Health
Human
Rights
diagnosis
Why Human Rights in HIV/AIDS?
Vulnerability
Human Rights
Violations
HIV/AIDS
Vulnerability
Priority Topics
1. Stigma
2. Information
3. Testing
4. Gender
5. Employment
Stigma
The Right to Non-Discrimination and
Equality before the Law protects people from...
• Ostracism
• Alienation
• Shame
• Violence
Stigma
Photo: South African Sunday Times
Stigma
Top level support of
prevention &
control efforts
Youth
targeted
Multi faceted
Approach
Awareness
Raising
Information
The Right to Freedom of Expression and
Information entitles people to…...
• HIV/AIDS Information
• Means of prevention
• Information about treatment
Information
Photo: Harvey Nelson
Information
80
% Awareness
70
60
50
76
40
Condom
Use Up
30
20
10
26
60
0
50
60
40
30
Awareness
Up
20
39
10
0
% knowledge of condom
Testing
The Right to Privacy and Security
of Person entitles people to...
•
Confidentiality
•
Voluntary testing
Testing
Testing
Anonymous, friendly
services =
increased tests
Gender
The Right to Non-Discrimination and
Equality before the Law entitles women
to…
 Equal access to information
 Control over their reproductive health
 Freedom from violence and exploitation
Gender
Need new photo
Photo: Harvey Nelson
Gender
90
% condom use
80
70
90
60
Condom
Use
Up
50
40
30
20
10
3
0
1992
1998
50
40
50
30
Prevalence
Down
20
10
5
0
Calcutta
Bombay
Employment
The Right to Work and Just Conditions of
Work entitles people to…
• Secure employment
• Receive equal benefits
• Maintain employment
...Regardless of HIV status
Employment
Photos: Johns Hopkins
CCP/Photoshare
Employment
Prevention Program Components:
Information & Education
Condom Distribution
Care & Support
Assistant with Treatment
AIDS Cases :
1995: 3.69 per 10,000
1996: 2.53 per 10,000
Vulnerability
Protect
Human Rights
HIV/AIDS
Vulnerability
What can you do?
National Level
Subnational Level
NGO Level
What can you do?
National Level
Advocate for changes in law
Identify/Document/Report Violations
Make complaints to HR Commissions
Offer Direct Legal Services
What can you do?
Sub national Level
Mass Media Campaigns
Sensitize local leaders
Include PLWHIV/AIDS
Support HIV/AIDS NGOs
What can you do?
NGO Level
Promote Legal Services
Link legal & HR Services
Raise Community Awareness
 Promote VCT at community level
Sample Assessment Questions
(national level)
• Is country a party to international human rights
conventions protecting persons with HIV/AIDS?
• What laws implement human rights conventions?
• What are the current human rights issues in your
country related to HIV/AIDS?
• What is current HIV/AIDS agenda in national
human rights commission?
• Are human rights violations reported to
international human rights bodies?