A/HRC/4/110 page 3 Introduction 1. In its resolution 2005/84, the Commission on Human Rights expressed its concern at the increasing number of people living with HIV, in particular the situation of women, girls, children in general and groups vulnerable to infection and discrimination. The Commission emphasized the need for intensified efforts to ensure universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, so as to reduce vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, to prevent HIV/AIDS-related discrimination and stigma, and to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS. To this end, the Commission invited States, United Nations bodies, programmes and specialized agencies and international and non-governmental organizations to continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of HIV/AIDS-related human rights, as contained in the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, summarized in paragraph 12 of document E/CN.4/1997/37, and called on States to implement in full the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS adopted at the twenty-sixth special session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS in 2001. The Commission requested the Secretary-General to solicit comments from Governments, United Nations bodies, programmes and specialized agencies and international and non-governmental organizations on the steps they have taken to promote and implement, where applicable, programmes to address the urgent HIV-related human rights of women, children and vulnerable groups, in the context of prevention, care and access to treatment, as described in the Guidelines, as summarized in paragraph 12 of document E/CN.4/1997/37 and resolution 2005/84, and to submit, in consultation with interested parties, a progress report to the Commission for consideration at its sixty-third session. In accordance with Human Rights Council decision 2/102 this report is being submitted to the fourth session of the Council. 2. Information was received from 15 Member States, 1 Observer State, 9 international organizations and 4 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The replies received were voluminous and this report provides only a summary of the information received. The full texts of all replies are available at the Secretariat for consultation and will be made available on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for a limited period. I. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM STATES 3. The Government of the Bahamas provided information that its Ministry of Social Services and Community Development has maintained several programmes that aim at addressing the HIV-related human rights of women, children and vulnerable groups in the context of prevention, care and access to treatment. HIV-infected persons are helped to obtain medical attention and special assistance is provided to persons with financial difficulties and children infected with HIV, or orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS. 4. The Government of Bulgaria stated that, with 677 cases of infection registered between 1986 and October 2006, the country has managed to keep a low HIV prevalence. Bulgaria currently ensures an integrated, human rights-based, balanced approach in its national HIV/AIDS response, which incorporates prevention, treatment, care and support through the