UNAIDS urges action to change discriminatory laws in order to restore dignity and respect and save lives

In 2018, a number of countries made landmark decisions to change discriminatory laws and bills. The Supreme Court of India struck down Section 377 of the Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex sexual relations, the Philippines lowered the age of consent for voluntary HIV testing without the need to obtain consent from a parent or guardian to 15 years and Malawi removed provisions from a draft bill that would have criminalized HIV non-disclosure, exposure and transmission.

On Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS recalls the equal dignity and worth of every person, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is calling for action to change discriminatory laws and practices, which are a significant barrier for access to health and other services.

“Human rights violations are happening all over the world because of discriminatory laws and practices,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Laws must protect, not cause harm. All countries must carefully examine their laws and policies in order to ensure equality and protection for all people, without exception.”

Raising awareness, mobilizing and taking action are essential. On Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS is proposing specific actions that individuals, civil society organizations, parliamentarians and donor organizations can take to change discriminatory laws. These range from being an ally to someone affected by a discriminatory law to joining a nongovernmental organization, tabling amendments to laws and calling for reviews of legislation.

Making a positive change is possible and there are many ways a law can be amended or abolished. These include:

• Reforming or removing laws through parliamentary processes and the votes of parliamentarians.
• In many countries, courts have the power to strike down laws that are discriminatory. This can be done if an individual or organization affected by the law takes legal action and wins the case for change.
• In some countries, people or politicians can propose law reform through a petition and request a national vote or referendum.UNAIDS is actively working with United Nations partners, governments and civil society organizations to change those laws as part of the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination.

Original source: UNAIDS
Published on 01 March 2019