One of the most challenging issues facing the world today is the criminalization of HIV transmission.

This issue of the HIV update focuses on the criminalisation of HIV and features articles from two leading experts on the subject.

First Matthew Weait, Senior Lecturer in Law and Legal Studies at the University of London gives an overview of the arguments for and against criminalization from a legal point of view.

Then Susan Timberlake, Senior Human Rights and Law Adviser, UNAIDS looks at the alternatives to criminalization and highlights the collective role we need to play in working with communities and agencies around the world.

There have always been controversial issues surrounding HIV – from the ability of young people to access condoms and other sexual and reproductive health services, to a truly human rights based response for sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users.  

As a rights-based organization, advocating against the criminalization of HIV is a key part of our work.

This edition of the HIV update also contains an article on IPPF’s work in 2008 for promoting discussion on the issues surrounding the criminalisation of HIV transmission, which will culminate in a publication with key advocacy messages that will launched for World AIDS Day 2008.