Journal Citation:
32(1) SYRACUSE JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND COMMERCE, 51-86 (2004).
This article considers customary and statutory laws regulating cultural practices which have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. During this discussion, the author focuses particularly on the negative impact of these laws for women. The article also assesses the potential of human rights law to address this epidemic and advocates for recognizing that the stigmatization of AIDS continues to play a negative role. The final section of the article reviews the role played by international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Labour Organization, in providing assistance in combating the epidemic. The author concludes with recommendations for utilizing statutory law to pre-empt customary law and for increasing women's participation in these considerations. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, International - Africa]