At the 2006 United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, world leaders reaffirmed that “the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all is an essential element in the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.” Yet, 25 years into the AIDS epidemic, this “essential element” remains the missing piece in the fight against AIDS.

Now more than ever, law and human rights should occupy the center of the global HIV/AIDS struggle. This booklet, published by OSI's Law and Health Initiative, presents 10 reasons why.

Below is a revised edition of the publication, originally released in 2006. This edition contains the endorsements of 24 leading HIV/AIDS organizations and networks throughout the world. OSI encourages your organization to endorse the declaration by visiting the endorsement page.

Translations of the publication are also available below, in French, Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish.