Dear Editor,

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

On Zero Discrimination Day, today, March 1, UNAIDS calls on countries to examine discriminatory provisions in their laws and policies and make positive changes to ensure equality, inclusion and protection.

In 2018, a number of countries made landmark decisions to change discriminatory laws. The Supreme Court of India struck down Section 377 of the Penal Code, which criminalised 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 criminalised 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.

UNAIDS proposes specific actions from individuals, civil society, and parliamentarians to change discriminatory laws.

UNAIDS

MartinC@unaids.org