Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue of the Global Commission
on HIV and the Law
16 and 17 February 2011
Bangkok

Through ESCAP resolution 66/10, member States of the Asia-Pacific region have committed to examining legal barriers which hamper an effective response to HIV. In support of this effort, government experts, community advocates will join members of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law at a Regional Dialogue in Bangkok on 16 and 17 February 2011. Over 100 experts from around the region are expected to participate.

Launched in June 2010, the Global Commission on HIV and the Law is an independent body comprised of many of the world’s most respected experts working in law, human rights and HIV.

At the Regional Dialogue-- the first of six planned globally-- participants will explore the impact of existing legal and social environments in achieving universal access to care, treatment, prevention and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.

The Regional Dialogue, jointly organized by UNDP and UNAIDS in partnership with ESCAP, will focus on four key areas:

• Laws and practices that marginalize people living with HIV and vulnerable to HIV;
• Laws and practices that mitigate or sustain violence and discrimination as lived by women;
• Laws and practices that facilitate or impede HIV-related treatment access;
• Issues of law and HIV pertaining to children.