Stefan Baral

This was a session intending to demonstrate to the audience the fundamental role of human rights in determining HIV prevention and treatment outcomes. The session focussed on how human rights violations reinforce disparities among communities including sexually and gender diverse communities (though limited data for trans populations). Summary: Stefan Baral

Caleb Orozco gave an incredibly powerful presentation about how human rights violations affect people in the most granular ways. He talked about the 4000 trans people killed and the 70 countries that continue to criminalize queer sex even though 160 million dollars have been spent on human rights programs. There has been too much pandering to politicians and religious leaders. Shereen El Feki presented us with the 10-10-10 targets that aim to have countries do better in terms of changing harmful laws and also reinforcing protective ones. There has been a democratization of the law where the public can do better in advocating for changing laws. Shereen El Feki gave us examples of countries from around the world where laws have improved. But there has also been stalling of positive changes in many settings--and particularly so in areas with repressive governments. Shereen El Feki gave us insights into challenges particularly in the MENA region--and also associated worse outcomes for HIV in that region. We have been reminded that the most harmful laws are colonial era laws. Caleb reminded us that the dead cannot speak for us--and we owe it to them to never stop.

It was a very "real" session that provided what are real challenges around the world--it wasn't overly optimistic that things are getting better, as realistically they aren't for many around the world. It was helpful to hear about a focus on changing enforcement, not just changing laws--which can be an important but aspirational goal. But also that we need to push hard--as lives are at risk every day, the lives of trans women, trans men and non-binary people, gay men (cis and trans), sex workers, incarcerated people, people who use drugs, migrant and refugee communities, and people living with HIV.