Crime and Punishment: Making the Case against the Criminalization of HIV

Summary: Several countries have implemented or are considering the implementation of laws that are used to criminalize HIV transmission in order to promote public health. yet these laws and policies weaken HIV prevention efforts, undermine human rights, and foster stigma and discrimination. Moreover, these kinds of laws can further marginalize key populations (sex workers and their clients, males who have sex with males, people who inject drugs, people living with HIV) who should be at the forefront of out HIV efforts.

This session will provide clear and articulate arguments why such legal measures undermine human rights and public health efforts and contribute to the stigma already faced by PLHIV. This session will also showcase alternatives to the criminal law.

Programme