ending overly-broad criminalisation of hiv non-disclosure, exposure and transmission
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Ending overly-broad criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure, exposure and transmission. Patrick Eba Human Rights and Law Division UNAIDS . Outline of presentation. The problem Process of guidance note Content of guidance note Recent developments . - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Ending overly-broad criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure, exposure and
transmission
Patrick EbaHuman Rights and Law Division UNAIDS
Outline of presentation The problem
Process of guidance note
Content of guidance note
Recent developments
Current situation on criminalisation of HIV
Source: GNP+ & HJN, 2013
Problem with current laws and prosecutions
• Disregard for science of HIV– Prosecutions for biting or spitting – Criminalisation of non-disclosure in absence of actual
exposure or transmission– Prosecutions in spite of condom use or low viral load
• Disregard for legal and justice principles– No mental culpability– No proof – Disproportionate penalties
• Negative impact on HIV response
The need for clearer guidance on criminalisation
• Conflicting judicial decisions on criminalisation
• Legislative processes/changes
• Prosecutorial Guidelines in the United Kingdom
• Growing activism by CSOs, people living with HIV and the voice of criminalisation survivors
Towards UNAIDS’ guidance note: Reconciling science and law
2010-2012:• 2 research and evidence papers
• Experts Meeting, 31 August – 2 Sept 2011, Geneva
• Policy Consultation, 14-15 Feb 2012, Oslo
UNAIDS Guidance Note, 2013• Restrict criminal law to
truly blameworthy cases
• Uphold criminal justice principles
• Use best scientific and medical evidence
Key recommendations • Harm• Risk • Mental culpability • Defences
- Disclosure- Condom use/ low viral load
• Proof • Penalties
Recent progress
• Legislation
• Courts
• Prosecutorial guidelines
• Engaging scientists
• Renewed activism
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