But the walls of stigma and silence are weakening. There is evidence of progress on every continent. Leaders are speaking out at the highest level. The rights of people living with HIV/AIDS are being defended through the courts. Standards are being set in the workplace. Schools, the media and youth education programmes are helping to create a generation better equipped to live in the world of AIDS. And last year, at a special session of the General Assembly, all the Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted a Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS which sent a clear message around the world. They pledged to enact or enforce legislation outlawing discrimination against people living with HIV and members of vulnerable groups.

But whatever laws and regulations are adopted, the most powerful weapons against stigma and silence are the voices of the world’s people speaking up about AIDS. By adopting the slogan “Live and Let Live”, this year’s World AIDS
Campaign challenges us to ensure that all people, with or without HIV, can realize their human rights and live in dignity. On this World AIDS Day, let us resolve to replace stigma with support, fear with hope, silence with solidarity. Let us act on the understanding that this work begins with each and every one of us.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan

U.N. Photo

Please also see:
http://www.unaids.org