Reading List

Decriminalisation and the end of AIDS: keep the promise, follow the science, and fulfill human rights

A statement from the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights stating that criminal laws violate a variety of human rights, including the rights to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, non-discrimination, privacy, autonomy, dignity, freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary detention, and ultimately the right to life, among others and calls for States to take proactive measures to end such practices and abolish the underlying criminalisation.

Ontario Manuel de poursuite de la couronne D. 33 Infractions d’ordre sexuel contre les adultes

Lignes directrices pour les procureurs en Ontario, au Canada, sur les poursuites pour infractions d'ordre sexuel contre les adultes. Ces lignes directrices ne sont pas assez protectrices selon les militants canadiens contre la pénalisation du VIH.

Mortality in well controlled HIV in the continuous antiretroviral therapy arms of the SMART and ESPRIT trials compared with the general population

Compares mortality rates in well controlled HIV-infected adults in two clinical trials with the general population. Found that HIV-infected individuals on ART with a recent undetectable viral load, who maintained or had recovery of CD4(+) cell counts to at least 500 cells/μl, had no increased risk of death compared with the general population.

HIV-specific legislation in sub-Saharan Africa: A comprehensive human rights analysis

Analyses key provisions in HIV-specific laws, outlining both protective and punitive provisions including criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure, exposure and transmission. Argues these provisions are generally overly broad, disregarding the best available recommendations for legislating on HIV; failing the human rights test of necessity, proportionality and reasonableness; consecrating myths and prejudice; and undermining HIV responses.