Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio Danese, on the occasion of the World Aids Day - November 26th, 2024

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed,

Brazil is honored to participate in this event and to share its views and accomplishments on such an important matter as HIV and AIDS.

According to the Secretary General’s report entitled “The path to ending AIDS - progress report on 2025 targets and solutions for the future Report of the Secretary-General”, in 2022, global new HIV infections were the fewest in decades, and 76% of people living with HIV are receiving life-saving treatment. Yet, HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are not declining fast enough to reach the 2030 Agenda targets.

Inequalities, stigma and discrimination are still major barriers faced by people living with, at risk of, and affected by HIV. In this regard, special attention should be given to groups with greater vulnerability to HIV infection, such as gays and other men who have sex with men; people who abuse alcohol and other drugs; sex workers; transgender people; and people deprived of liberty.

Considering that women constitute over half of the population of people living with HIV, the feminization of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, gender inequalities and violence should also be taken into consideration while formulating public health policies.

In the preamble of the United Nations Charter, Member States reaffirm their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women. Moreover, article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

Discriminatory laws, policies and practices that punish, stigmatize and discriminate against people because they are living with HIV or are part of marginalized groups prevent them from having access to the necessary prevention, treatment and care, negatively impacting public health in general.

Human rights encompass the creation of legal and political frameworks that allow for equitable access to medicines, vaccines and other health commodities, as well as to technologies that are essential for protecting public health and achieving the SDGs, including ending AIDS.

The international community has a role to play in changing this scenario. In the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, Member States committed to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination and to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of people living with, at risk of, and affected by HIV.

Last July, Brazil, Colombia, Portugal and Thailand tabled the resolution “Human Rights in the Context of HIV/AIDS”, adopted by consensus by the Human Rights Council. The text calls on States to address the inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by people living with HIV. It also urges States to ensure global accessibility, availability and affordability of medicines, including generics, vaccines, diagnostics and other health technologies to prevent, diagnose and treat HIV, as well as to remove barriers that hinder access to health technologies.

These important issues were also addressed in the Health Ministerial Declaration of the G20, under Brazilian presidency, adopted on October 31st, including the attention to the social determinants of health and the creation of a coalition of local and regional production and innovation.

At home, Brazil’s commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as to the protection and promotion of the rights of people living with HIV, is guaranteed by means of a robust legislative framework. According to the Brazilian Constitution, people living with HIV or AIDS, like any other Brazilian citizen, have guaranteed rights, among which access to public health.

The protection of the human rights of people living with HIV or AIDS is also ensured in specific laws and regulations. For instance, since 2014, discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is a crime. Moreover, a law enacted in 2022 guarantees that people living with HIV have the right to keep their HIV status confidential in the workplace. Mandatory testing is prohibited by labor, administrative and professional ethics provisions.

The international community has made headway in significantly reducing infection and death cases associated with HIV/AIDS. Yet, there is much to be done to end AIDS by 2030 and to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Brazil reiterates its full commitment to the implementation of the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. Not only by adopting effective actions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, but also by promoting and protecting the human rights of those living with, at risk of, and affected by HIV. We encourage all countries to follow the same path. You can count on Brazil’s relentless contribution to those efforts.

Thank you.