Ending the AIDS Epidemic in Light of the Shrinking Civic Space

Globally, civic space for HIV/AIDS response is shrinking. In 66 countries, there are no mechanisms to allow funding for community-led responses to HIV; 22 countries have laws that restrict access to funding from international donors. In light of the recent developments in Uganda, passing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, curtailing the human rights of people living with HIV, and the ongoing politicization of HIV policies in the Russian Federation and other countries, this session will discuss the role policymakers and stakeholders including civil society can play in influencing governments to uphold a human rights-based community led HIV response.

Panelists will critically discuss the role of civil society, governments and international institutions such as UNAIDS and provide an insight on the negative consequences punitive laws have for activists and communities on the ground.