At a conference in Oslo, UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, delivered a powerful speech urging global support for women and girls in marginalized communities who are at the forefront of defending human rights. Byanyima emphasized that the protection of human rights is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of everyone, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In her keynote address at the Rights and Resistance conference, Byanyima stated, We must put human rights at the center of our development efforts. The AIDS movement has shown how discriminatory laws and norms undermine health and harm everyone. She highlighted the importance of understanding the pushback on human rights, connecting various struggles, and providing resources to the most impacted individuals, particularly women and girls from marginalized communities.
Byanyima also celebrated the progress made by human rights defenders, such as the increase in girls’ education and the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in many countries. She emphasized that upholding the rights of marginalized communities is essential for effectively combating the HIV epidemic.
Norway’s International Development Minister, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, echoed Byanyima’s sentiments, emphasizing the obligation to support those who fight for universal human rights. Tvinnereim pledged Norway’s commitment to rights-based development aid and the support of free and independent media.
The conference shed light on the fact that human rights violations continue to contribute to the HIV epidemic among women and girls, with thousands of new infections occurring globally every week. UNAIDS emphasized the need for united efforts in pushing back against the global attacks on women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, sexual and reproductive health, democracy, and civic space. By maintaining a focus on human rights, countries can ensure public health and work towards ending the AIDS pandemic.
Byanyima expressed optimism, stating, Progress is possible if we are courageous and united. UNAIDS is actively supporting frontline human rights defenders and advocating for the expansion of human rights protection.
In conclusion, the conference highlighted the intertwined nature of sustainable development and human rights. By prioritizing and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, we can protect the health and well-being of everyone. The joint effort of UNAIDS and its partners aims to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths by 2030, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
