Using Rights and the Law to Reduce Women's Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS: A Discussion Paper

This paper explores the extent to which the AIDS epidemic is linked to social and economic inequalities and proposes that national and international response strategies be founded on considerations of these inequalities. The paper aims to outline specific rights-based strategies designed to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS upon women. Section II of the paper examines the specific nature of women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Section III considers the role of international human rights in providing a framework through which to address the particular needs of women. The remainder of the paper reviews case law from South Africa to demonstrate areas of potential advancement within the national and international advocacy efforts. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, International]