Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, “Global Crisis-Global Action”

1. We, heads of State and Government and representatives of States and
Governments, assembled at the United Nations, from 25 to 27 June 2001, for the
twenty-sixth special session of the General Assembly, convened in accordance with
resolution 55/13 of 3 November 2000, as a matter of urgency, to review and address
the problem of HIV/AIDS in all its aspects, as well as to secure a global
commitment to enhancing coordination and intensification of national, regional and
international efforts to combat it in a comprehensive manner;

2. Deeply concerned that the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, through its devastating
scale and impact, constitutes a global emergency and one of the most formidable
challenges to human life and dignity, as well as to the effective enjoyment of human
rights, which undermines social and economic development throughout the world
and affects all levels of society – national, community, family and individual;

36. Solemnly declare our commitment to address the HIV/AIDS crisis by taking
action as follows, taking into account the diverse situations and circumstances in
different regions and countries throughout the world;

“By 2003, enact, strengthen or enforce, as appropriate, legislation, regulations and other measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against and to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people living with HIV/AIDS and members of vulnerable groups, in particular to ensure their access to, inter alia, education, inheritance, employment, health care, social and health services, prevention, support and treatment, information and legal protection, while respecting their privacy and confidentiality; and develop strategies to combat stigma and social exclusion connected with the epidemic;

“By 2005, bearing in mind the context and character of the epidemic and that, globally, women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, develop and accelerate the implementation of national strategies that promote the advancement of women and women’s full enjoyment of all human rights; promote shared responsibility of men and women to ensure safe sex; and empower women to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality to increase their ability to protect themselves from HIV infection;

“By 2005, implement measures to increase capacities of women and adolescent girls to protect themselves from the risk of HIV infection, principally through the provision of health care and health services, including for sexual and reproductive health, and through prevention education that promotes gender equality within a culturally and gender-sensitive framework;

“By 2005, ensure development and accelerated implementation of national strategies for women’s empowerment, the promotion and protection of women’s full enjoyment of all human rights and reduction of their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS through the elimination of all forms of discrimination, as well as all forms of violence against women and girls, including harmful traditional and customary practices, abuse, rape and other forms of sexual violence, battering and trafficking in women and girls” (Para. 58-61)