Why are human rights key in the HIV response?

Umunyana Rugege, UNAIDS Head of Human Rights explains why human rights are key in the HIV response. Health is a human right. Access to medicines is a human right. A life free of violence is a human right. Human dignity is a human right.
Many people acquire HIV because their rights are being denied. Through sexual violence, for example or because they face stigma and discrimination. Ensuring everyone’s rights ensures everyone’s health. Human rights are central to the HIV response.
UNAIDS welcomes the adoption by consensus, of a critical resolution on Human Rights in the Context of HIV and AIDS at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The 2024 resolution Human Rights in the Context of HIV and AIDS, recognizes the centrality of human rights to the HIV response and its sustainability. The resolution reaffirms that “the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all is an essential element in the global response to the HIV epidemic and its sustainability”.