Quick Links:

SWOP-USA

Desiree Alliance

Best Practices
Policy Project

Bayswan

This policy brief from CHANGE, examines the implications of the United States (US) Global AIDS Act, which bars the use of federal funds to promote, support or advocate the legalisation or practice of prostitution. The brief outlines how these policies and restrictions have numerous adverse implications for effective HIV prevention and the promotion of human rights and public health. The restrictions prevent recipients from using best practices to prevent the spread of HIV among marginalised populations and undermine efforts to promote fundamental human rights of all persons. The broad language of the restrictions increases the risk of self-censoring or stopping effective programmes for fear of being seen as supporting or promoting prostitution. The policy exacerbates stigma and discrimination against already marginalised groups and contravenes fundamental rights to freedom of speech.

The brief requests that the US Department of Justice reconsider its interpretation on the application of the restrictions of the Global AIDS Act, ensuring that it is consistent with US and international human rights laws and public health norms. Other requests include: instituting a practice of consultation with a broad range of experts before an agency or office issues programme directives; and ensuring that all scientific and programme evidence is regularly reviewed by experienced researchers and programme managers. [adapted from author]