GENEVA, 15 July 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) commends the decision by the Government of Armenia to lift its travel restrictions for people living with HIV. The reforms—which took effect yesterday—align the country’s legislation with international public health standards.

Restrictions that limit an individual’s movement based solely on HIV-positive status are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions protect public health or prevent HIV transmission. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

“I welcome Armenia’s decision to lift its HIV-related travel restrictions,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “I urge other countries to follow Armenia’s example and take the necessary steps to remove punitive laws and practices as a matter of priority,” he added.

With the removal of Armenia’s travel restrictions, UNAIDS counts 48 countries, territories, and areas that continue to impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on HIV status. Five countries deny visas even for short-term stays and 22 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive status is discovered.

UNAIDS urges countries to improve legal and social environments to protect human rights in the context of the HIV epidemic and reiterates its call for global freedom of movement for people living with HIV

GENEVA, 10 December 2010— As the AIDS epidemic enters its fourth decade, stigma based on HIV status remains unacceptably high across the globe. Discrimination, inequality and social exclusion based on health status, gender, sexual orientation, drug dependency, disability and migrant and refugee status, prevent people from accessing life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

This week, UNAIDS adopted a new five-year strategy which positioned ‘advancing human rights and gender equality’ as one of three pillars necessary to halt and reverse the spread of HIV, alongside HIV prevention and treatment. This will help realise UNAIDS’ vision of Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.

The strategy tasks UNAIDS to work more intensively with countries to halve the number of countries with punitive laws by 2015; eliminate HIV-related restrictions on travel in half of the countries that continue to have them; address the specific needs of women and girls in at least half of all national HIV responses; and adopt zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

“Zero discrimination is a prerequisite to preventing new HIV infections and ensuring people who are infected have access to treatment and support services,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “This strategy will help to ensure that the response to HIV is not only effective in protecting health but also in protecting the dignity and security of people affected by HIV.”

UNAIDS remains concerned about the 49 countries, territories and areas around the world that still impose some kind of restriction on people living with HIV who seek to enter, stay or work in the country. Such restrictions are an indicator of continuing discrimination based on HIV status. Furthermore, there is no evidence that such restrictions prevent HIV transmission or protect public health.

In growing recognition of these facts, three countries during 2010—China, Namibia and the USA— removed their travel restrictions based on HIV status. India and Ecuador also issued clarifications to underline that they too no longer employ such restrictions.

On this year’s Human Rights Day, UNAIDS urges the 49 remaining countries to lift their HIV-related travel restrictions and ensure protection against HIV-related discrimination. 

Calls for 51 remaining countries with such “travel restrictions” to take action towards their removal

VIENNA, 20 July 2010 — UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé applauded today the leadership displayed by China, Namibia and the United States of America to lift their travel restrictions for people living with HIV, while calling for similar action in all countries that continue to employ such discriminatory measures.

Namibia is the most recent of the three countries to remove HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence.  Its reforms—which took effect on 1 July—also remove such restrictions against people living with other contagious diseases.  "Namibia is very pleased to lift travel restrictions,” said Hon. Richard Kamwi, the Namibian Minister of Health, speaking at a press conference at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna. “With this move we have formally removed this discrimination. There is no way we will make headway without people living with HIV playing a vital role."

Mr Sidibé underlined that restrictions that limit mobility and migration based on HIV-positive status violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions prevent HIV transmission or protect public health. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.  “Travel restrictions for people living with HIV serve no purpose other than to fuel stigma and discrimination,” said Mr Sidibé. “I urge all other countries with such restrictions to remove them.”

Last year, President Obama announced that the United States would lift its long-standing HIV-related travel restrictions, overturning a policy that had been in place since 1987. "The lifting of the HIV-specific U.S. entry ban is a sign of a renewed commitment to global health,” said Dr. Howard K. Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  "With this announcement, the U.S. looks forward to hosting the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC."

Restricting the mobility of people living with HIV is one example of the many forms of laws, policies and practices that undermine the AIDS response.  A new document launched at this week’s Vienna conference by UNAIDS, the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the International Harm Reduction Association, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) provides a broad “snapshot” of the legal environment related to HIV. Titled “Making the law work for the HIV response,” the matrix covers over 190 countries, territories and entities, detailing whether or not a country has certain types of protective or punitive laws which either support or block the attainment of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. 

“It is incomprehensible that HIV-related entry and residency restrictions still exist in these times,” says Mr Kevin Moody, International Coordinator and CEO of GNP+. “These restrictions are blatant violations of human rights, stimulating stigma and discrimination and actually hurting the response to the HIV epidemic.”

International AIDS Conferences and meetings have had a major influence on the reversal of HIV-specific entry and residence restrictions in recent years.  The International AIDS Society will not sponsor major HIV and AIDS-focused conferences or events in a country with HIV entry restrictions. 

"I'm proud of the role International AIDS Conferences and other international fora continue to play in advancing the removal of these and other laws that are counter to public health and human rights principles," said Dr Julio Montaner, President of the International AIDS Society. "HIV-specific laws and regulations on entry and residence are both overly intrusive and ineffective public health policy." 

After the removal of Namibia's restrictions, UNAIDS counts 51 countries, territories, and areas that continue to impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV. These include restrictions that completely ban entry of HIV-positive people for any reason or length of stay; ban short stays, for example for tourism; or prevent longer stays, such as immigration, migrant work, asylum, study, international employment, or consular service.

In July 2008, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated the long-standing United Nations call for the elimination of HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence. UNAIDS is closely monitoring which countries continue to employ them and has designated 2010 as the “year of equal freedom of movement for all.”

GENEVA, 8 July 2010 – UNAIDS applauds the decision by the Government of Namibia to lift its travel restrictions for people living with HIV and align the country’s legislation with international public health standards. The reforms—which took effect on 1 July—also remove entry restrictions against people living with other contagious diseases.

Restrictions that limit movement based on HIV-positive status only are discriminatory and violate human rights. There is no evidence that such restrictions prevent HIV transmission or protect public health. Furthermore, HIV-related travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

“I am heartened by this announcement in Namibia” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “HIV-related travel restrictions serve no purpose and hamper the global AIDS response.”

UNAIDS advocates for an individual’s right to freedom of movement — regardless of HIV status.

After the removal of Namibia's restrictions, UNAIDS counts 51 countries, territories, and areas that continue to impose some form of restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on their HIV status; 5 countries deny visas even for short-term stays; 22 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive status is discovered.

The United States of America and China removed long-standing HIV-related travel restrictions earlier this year. Several other countries, including the Ukraine, have pledged to take steps to remove such restrictions.

GENEVA/BEIJING, 27 April 2010 –UNAIDS applauds the decision by the Government of China to lift its national travel ban for people living with HIV. The news comes ahead of the opening of Shanghai Expo 2010, an international fair that is expected to attract millions of visitors over the next six months.

“I commend President Hu Jintao for China’s decision to remove travel restrictions based on HIV status,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Punitive policies and practices only hamper the global AIDS response. I urge all other countries with such restrictions to remove them as a matter of priority and urgency.”

UNAIDS strongly opposes any laws that restrict movement based on HIV-positive status only; such restrictions are discriminatory and do not prevent HIV transmission or protect public health. Further, travel restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead long and productive working lives.

“Every individual should have equal access to freedom of movement — regardless of HIV status,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “This is yet another example of China’s leadership in the AIDS response.”

Fifty one countries, territories, and areas currently impose some form of travel restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on their HIV status; five countries deny visas to people living with HIV for even short-term stays; and 23 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive status is discovered.

In January 2010, the United States of America removed its long-standing HIV-related entry, stay and residence restrictions. Several other countries, including Namibia and the Ukraine, have recently pledged to take steps to remove such restrictions.

UNAIDS and the Inter-Parliamentary Union join forces to urge countries to eliminate HIVrelated restrictions on entry, stay and residence and reduce stigma and discrimination

BANGKOK, 28 March 2010 – Parliamentarians from all parts of world are calling upon governments to remove travel restrictions for people living with HIV. This call was made at the 122nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bangkok today.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNAIDS are urging parliamentarians in countries with such restrictions to play a leading role in removing them. The two organizations also encourage parliamentarians to support legislation and law enforcement to protect people living with HIV from discrimination based on HIV status.

“By placing restrictions on the travel and movement of people living with HIV, we needlessly rob them of their dignity and equal rights,” said Theo-Ben Gurirab, President of the Inter- Parliamentary Union. “Parliamentarians have a duty to protect the rights of all citizens, including people living with HIV.

There are 52 countries, territories and areas that have some form of HIV-specific restriction on entry, stay and residence that is based on positive HIV status. These include restrictions that completely ban entry of HIV-positive people for any reason or length of stay; or ban short stays, for example for tourism, or longer stays for immigration, migrant work, asylum, study, international employment, or consular service.

“Travel restrictions for people living with HIV do not protect public health and are outdated in the age of universal access to HIV prevention and treatment,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “Parliamentarians can play a vital role in removing discriminatory laws and restrictions.”

In July 2008, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated the long-standing United Nations call for the elimination of HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence. UNAIDS is closely monitoring which countries continue to employ them and has designated 2010 as the “year of equal freedom of movement for all”.

Washington DC, 30 October, 2009 — UNAIDS welcomes President Obama’s announcement of the final rule removing entry restrictions based on HIV status from US policy. The removal of HIV-related travel restrictions in the US overturns a policy that had been in place since 1987. Such restrictions, strongly opposed by UNAIDS, are discriminatory and do not protect the public health.

“Today’s announcement reinforces the position of the US as a global leader in HIV policy and practice," said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé . “This policy change is a significant step forward by the United States towards promoting human rights in the AIDS response.”

In an earlier rulemaking notice, the US government concluded, “Maintaining HIV infection on the list of excludable conditions for entry into the US would not result in significant public health benefits. Further, this approach is not in line with current international public health practice. This approach continues discriminatory practices and contributes towards the stigmatization of HIV-infected persons.”

The announcement came alongside President Obama’s signature of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. The Ryan White Program is the largest program dedicated to providing life-saving and life-extending treatment and support services to people living with HIV in the United States.

Hundreds of thousands of people are alive today due to the Ryan White Program, which was originally authorized in 1990 and is the model for many HIV care delivery systems around the world.

UNAIDS recognizes the Ryan White program as an integral part of the global AIDS response and a gesture of the United States towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for people within the Unites States living with HIV.

“The private sector can influence these governments to do the right thing,” Schreiber said. “We call on CEOs to show your leadership by joining the pledge to end discrimination of people with HIV.”

See countries, fact sheets and up-to-date list of CEOs

Below are CEOs who have signed as of 19 July, 2012:

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc

Mark Bertolini, Chairman, CEO and President, Aetna

Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive, Anglo American plc

Vincent A. Forlenza, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President, BD

Debra Lee, Chairman & CEO, BET Networks

Lamberto Andreotti, CEO, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Muhtar Kent, Chairman of the Board and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company

Glenn K. Murphy, Chairman and CEO, Gap Inc.

Jonathan D. Klein, CEO and Co-Founder, Getty Images

John C. Martin, PhD, Chairman and CEO, Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB

Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board/CEO, HEINEKEN NV

Bong Yong Dam, CEO, Hub One International Company Ltd.

Alex Gorsky, CEO, Johnson & Johnson

Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Kenneth Cole Productions

Chip Bergh, President & CEO, Levi Strauss & Co.

Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman, President & CEO, Merck & Co.

Heather Bresch, CEO, Mylan

David J. Stern, Commissioner, National Basketball Association (NBA)

Blake Nordstrom, President, Nordstrom, Inc.

Douglas A. Michels, President & CEO, OraSure Technologies, Inc.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO, Vestergaard Frandsen

Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Unite

William H. Roedy, AIDS Activist and former Chairman, MTVN International