Legal Environments, Human Rights and HIV Responses among MSM and Transgender in Asia and the Pacific

A study was conducted of legal environments affecting HIV responses among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in 48 countries and territories of the Asia and Pacific region. The study was conducted from August 2009-June 2010, and considered legislation, cases, and published research and grey literature regarding laws, and law enforcement policies and practices. The study was informed by consultations with community representatives, legal experts and UN agencies.

The study was undertaken to fill gaps in knowledge about (i) the effects of laws and law enforcement policies and practices on HIV responses among MSM and transgender people, and (ii) the role of civil society organizations, governments, donors, UN agencies and other multilateral agencies in supporting improvements to legal environments affecting MSM and transgender people. The study highlights examples of good practice.