Humanising the law: harnessing science and community voices to end HIV criminalisation
This paper traces the evolution of community-led responses to HIV criminalisation over nearly two decades, demonstrating how science, advocacy, and storytelling have collectively reshaped legal and policy frameworks.It describes the formation and strategic interventions of the HIV Justice Network and, later, the HIV JUSTICE WORLDWIDE coalition; highlights methodological innovations such as legal monitoring and community-based documentation; and emphasises the centrality of human rights principles. Case examples - including the legacy of Ugandan nurse Rosemary Namubiru - illustrate the impact of HIV criminalisation and the power of resilience. While challenges persist amidst growing authoritarianism and disinformation, coordinated global efforts continue to advance evidence-informed, rights-based alternatives. This paper calls for a humanisation of the law that centres lived experiences, elevates scientific understanding, and fosters justice for people living with HIV. Ultimately, this paper argues for a paradigm shift from punitive legal responses to approaches rooted in care, dignity, and justice.
Enforcement of HIV Criminalization in Maryland
Using data obtained from the Maryland State Administrative Office of the Courts, this study from The Williams Institute examines the enforcement of HIV criminalization laws in Maryland.
Highlights:
- Nearly two-thirds of U.S. states and territories have laws that criminalize people living with HIV.
- Black people, especially Black men, are overrepresented in HIV-related crimes in Maryland.
- Over two-thirds of people charged with HIV-related crimes were charged in Baltimore City, Montgomery County, or Prince George's County.
OptTEST Hoja de tips 7 – ¿Cómo y dónde puedo encontrar pruebas para un cambio de política?
Explora cómo cambiar la política existente presentando pruebas claras y comprensibles para apoyar la defensa.
Este documento fue traducido de su idioma original usando DeepL Pro (una aplicación web basada en inteligencia artificial) a fin de facilitar la lectura del contenido para los usuarios de la HIV Justice Academy. Reconocemos las limitaciones de las traducciones realizadas a través de este tipo de tecnología y no podemos garantizar la precisión de la versión traducida.
Police and Blood-Borne Viruses
Contains information about blood-borne viruses including how they are spread, how to protect against infection and what to do if there is a possible exposure. Written to provide information and guidance, it does not supersede policies and procedures of policing agencies.
Advancing HIV Justice: Un informe de progreso sobre los logros y desafíos en la defensa global contra la criminalización del VIH
Proporciona un informe de progreso de los logros y desafíos en la defensa global contra la criminalización del VIH durante el período de 18 meses, de septiembre de 2011 a marzo de 2013.
Este documento fue traducido de su idioma original usando DeepL Pro (una aplicación web basada en inteligencia artificial) a fin de facilitar la lectura del contenido para los usuarios de la HIV Justice Academy. Reconocemos las limitaciones de las traducciones realizadas a través de este tipo de tecnología y no podemos garantizar la precisión de la versión traducida.
Case Law Index
Listing of some U.S. HIV prosecutions by case name (to 2013), (pages 7-9)
The Global Criminalisation Scan Report
Provides global overview of the extent to which criminal and other laws have been used to prosecute people living with HIV for HIV transmission and exposure.
Position statement on the use of antiretroviral therapy to reduce HIV transmission
Summarises extensive discussion about various aspects of current scientific data to explain HIV transmission risk.