Prevention, Treatment and Care in the Context of Human Rights: Expert Group Meeting on "The HIV/AIDS Pandemic and its Gender Implications"

This paper assesses the impact of HIV/AIDS on women through a human rights framework. The author begins by recgonizing the potential value of human rights in assisting women, but notes that even with the conceptual benefits, human rights advocacy must be utilized strategically. The paper reviews of the relationship between gender inequality and HIV/AIDS, and discusses vulnerability to infections, living with HIV/AIDS and the socio-economic impact upon women. The author provides an assessment of relevant human rights for addressing prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and discusses how these rights should be framed to carry the greatest relevance. The conclusion includes recommendations for international agencies, states and civil society on legal and social measures to address gender inequality and HIV/AIDS. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, International]