Thirty years ago this December, a group of activists came together to create what we now call the HIV Legal Network. Their mission was to support and protect the human rights of people living with and affected by HIV.
Thanks to the support of thousands of people over the past three decades, we have been able to provide legal expertise and sustained advocacy for communities around the world that are disproportionately affected by HIV, punitive laws and policies, and criminalization. Our work continues, and last week we told you about our bold plans for the next five years.
Your support has a major impact. A series of breakthroughs in recent years have given us real hope that the human rights and dignity of all people can and will be respected, protected, and fulfilled around the world.
Rights ARE Within Reach!
The human rights for which we have fought alongside so many committed people are finally within reach:
- Thirty years of hard work, intensifying after the Mabior decision in 2012, has resulted in the Government of Canada opening consultations last week on how best to reform the misguided law on HIV non-disclosure, that has harmed people living with HIV in Canada for too long.
- Recent decisions in Antigua and Barbuda, and in St. Kitts and Nevis, have declared colonial laws in those countries criminalizing same-sex relationships unconstitutional. This bodes well for a challenge that we supported to similar oppressive laws in Dominica, which was heard in late September. We continue to press forward with our partners in Jamaica in pursuit of the same goal.
- Our efforts to repeal punitive drug laws, including those that criminalize simple drug possession, are making an impact. While political leaders need to take more decisive action, a growing number are acknowledging the harms of drug prohibition and advancing laws and policies — locally, provincially, and federally — that mitigate some of those harms.
Take Charlie’s Challenge
Whether you are a current supporter of the HIV Legal Network or are considering your first gift, your support will go further this year thanks to our long-time friend and donor Andrew Beckerman. Again this year, Andrew has issued his “Charlie’s Challenge” in honour of his late father to match donations made to the Legal Network dollar-for-dollar — and this year he’s upped the ante and his own gift! We hope you’ll consider donating as your dollars will be doubled through December 31st.
Click here to learn more about what inspires Andrew to support the HIV Legal Network.
Your gift will help us continue our fight to ensure that human rights for people living with and affected by HIV, in Canada and around the world, are upheld. This goal that seemed unattainable 30 years ago is within reach. Please help us get there.
In solidarity,
HIV Legal Network