One of IPPF’s key advocacy issues this year is the criminalization of HIV transmission and what that means in terms of human rights.

IPPF is promoting discussion about the issues, which will culminate in a publication with key advocacy messages for World AIDS Day (1st December 2008), in collaboration with GNP+ and ICW. 

The debates include: 

1. An online discussion:

On the AIDS Portal between March and September we are facilitating a series of open discussions on the impact of criminalizing HIV transmission. The discussions include contributions from lawyers, policy makers, people living with HIV and human rights advocates. You can contribute too – simply sign up to AIDS Portal at www.aidsportal.org and join the debate.  

2. A panel debate:

During a satellite session at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico there was a debate about 'Crime and Punishment: Criminalization of HIV'.  

At this interactive session there were a number of external speakers from UNAIDS, ICW, the African HIV Policy Network, the Naz Foundation and GNP+

We addressed a number of key questions in determining sound HIV policy and practice, such as understanding the impact of criminalization of HIV, ‘model laws’ and the implication these laws have for young women and girls.  

3. Publication of a key issues brief: issues raised in the online discussion and at the satellite session will be combined with facts and figures, to provide a global snapshot. 

The brief will be launched at the Foreign Press Association in London between 9am and 12pm on Monday 13th November. Details to follow.

Get involved

In each of these debates we would like to address the critical issues and provide case studies of the criminalization of HIV transmission from different regions around the world. To do this we need your support. Please:

• contribute to the debate on the AIDS Portal
• open up the criminalization debate within your own organization

For more information please email HIVinfo@ippf.org