A/HRC/16/69 I. Introduction 1. The Human Rights Council, in its resolution 12/27, requested the Secretary-General to prepare an analytical study based on comments from Governments, United Nations organs, programmes and specialized agencies on the steps taken to promote and implement programmes to address HIV/AIDS-related human rights, as referred to in the Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights,1 the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS of 2001 (see paragraph 3 below), the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS of 20062 and Council resolution 12/27. The present study is submitted pursuant to that request. 2. The present study includes a thematic analysis of information provided by a survey of Member States, United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and through a consultation held in Geneva on 25 October 2010 involving representatives of Member States, United Nations entities and non-governmental organizations organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).3 3. The Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, adopted unanimously by the General Assembly at its twenty-sixth special session in its resolution S-26/2, emphasizes that the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all is essential to reduce vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The Declaration highlights the central importance of addressing stigma and related discrimination against people living with and at risk of HIV. Noting the disproportionate HIV risk faced by women, the Declaration committed Member States to developing and implementing national strategies that promote the advancement of women and women’s full enjoyment of human rights. The Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 60/262, committed States to intensify efforts to enact, strengthen or enforce legislation, regulations and other measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against and to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people living with HIV and members of vulnerable groups. It also included a commitment to full and active participation of people living with HIV and vulnerable groups in HIV responses. II. Contributions from Member States, United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies, and non-governmental organizations A. Human rights in national HIV/AIDS strategies 4. Almost all Government respondents to the survey conducted for the present study noted that human rights objectives or commitments were included in their national HIV/AIDS strategies and plans. Most of these mentioned non-discrimination based on HIV status as a central element of their national strategy. Protection of confidentiality with respect to HIV status was also cited as a cornerstone of national strategies. Several 1 2 3 4 Commission on Human Rights resolution 1997/33. Adopted by the General Assembly on 2 June 2006 during the High-level Meeting and comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the targets set out in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. The full texts of submissions received are available at the secretariat for consultation. GE.10-17842