The Road To Toronto – Civil Society Must Advocate For Women and Girls at HIV/AIDS Review

Washington, DC - May 30, 2006

This week, an unprecedented number of civil society participants will have the unique opportunity to raise their voices at the five-year review of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS). As HIV/AIDS increasingly impacts women and girls, it is imperative that civil society members, in partnership with their country delegations, take full advantage of their participation in the UNGASS review. We urge them to advocate for inclusion of strong language in the final outcome document that highlights sexual and reproductive health and rights as integral to the success of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care worldwide.

The purpose of this meeting – held from May 31 to June 2, 2006 – is to review progress in implementing the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS; to consider recommendations on how the targets set in that Declaration may be reached; and to renew political commitment. Almost 800 civil society organizations have received special accreditation to attend the UNGASS review and interact with UN member states.

HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects women worldwide, especially young women—a trend which will continue unless their specific vulnerabilities – such as gender inequality, social, cultural and economic factors, pervasive violence, and biology – are addressed. Women represent approximately half of all new infections, and young women represent almost 70 percent of new infections among people aged 15 to 24 in developing countries.

With the majority of new infections being sexually transmitted, access to sexual and reproductive health services must be increased, along with access to education and control over economic resources. Furthermore, stigma and discrimination against marginalized, at-risk groups – such as commercial sex workers – must end.

While sexual and reproductive health is briefly mentioned in draft documents leading up to this week's session, stronger language is needed. Civil society participants must use their leverage to communicate the urgent need for inclusion of stronger language on sexual and reproductive health and rights that will directly benefit women and girls, and ultimately help end the scourge of HIV/AIDS.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.