Ending overly-broad criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure, exposure and transmission Patrick Eba Human Rights and Law Division UNAIDS

Outline of presentation  The problem  Process of guidance note  Content of guidance note  Recent developments

Current situation on criminalisation of HIV Source: GNP+ & HJN, 2013

Problem with current laws and prosecutions Disregard for science of HIV –Prosecutions for biting or spitting –Criminalisation of non-disclosure in absence of actual exposure or transmission –Prosecutions in spite of condom use or low viral load Disregard for legal and justice principles –No mental culpability –No proof –Disproportionate penalties Negative impact on HIV response

The need for clearer guidance on criminalisation Conflicting judicial decisions on criminalisation Legislative processes/changes Prosecutorial Guidelines in the United Kingdom Growing activism by CSOs, people living with HIV and the voice of criminalisation survivors

Towards UNAIDS’ guidance note: Reconciling science and law : 2 research and evidence papers Experts Meeting, 31 August – 2 Sept 2011, Geneva Policy Consultation, Feb 2012, Oslo

UNAIDS Guidance Note, 2013 Restrict criminal law to truly blameworthy cases Uphold criminal justice principles Use best scientific and medical evidence

Key recommendations Harm Risk Mental culpability Defences -Disclosure -Condom use/ low viral load Proof Penalties

Recent progress Legislation Courts Prosecutorial guidelines Engaging scientists Renewed activism

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