Stigma and Discrimination
Although there is evidence of progress, all 39 countries still have laws that impede HIV response.
- 38criminalize some aspects of sex work
- 17criminalize same-sex relations
- 24Law does not allow for possession of a certain limited amount of drugs for personal use
- 19criminalizing the transmission of, non-disclosure of or exposure to HIV transmission
- 15restricting the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV
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All reviews and consultation reports available on AIDS Data Hub
PLHIV Stigma Index
Progress to Zero Descrimination
Discrimination
On 27 May 2016, Australia joined the group of countries that have eliminated laws specifically criminalizing HIV transmission, exposure and non-disclosure by repealing the last piece of State based legislation (s 19A of the Crimes Act (Vic)).
Discrimination
In August 2014, Cambodian regulation (Prakas 194) setting out legal protections for labour rights of entertainment workers (including sex workers), such as protection against discrimination, violence and abuse, and access to health information, education and services was endorsed.
Discrimination
Same sex marriage was confirmed legal in Guam in June 2014, and in August 2015 the Employment Non-Discrimination Act was passed, extending workplace protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Discrimination
Myanmar amended the Burma Excise Act (1917) in December 2015 to remove penalties and fines for possessing hypodermic needles. This removes a key barrier to access to harm reduction for people who use drugs.
Discrimination
On 20 September 2015, Nepal took a historic step by adopting a new constitution, which protects lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people from discrimination, violence, and abuse.
Discrimination
In September 2014, Quezon City, Philippines passed an Ordinance prohibiting violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Discrimination
In January 2015, Chinese Taipei removed HIV-related restrictions for entry, stay and residence.
Discrimination
As of September 2015, Thailand's Gender Equality Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender and is inclusive of lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT).
Discrimination
Viet Nam will end the death penalty for seven crimes including possession and appropriation of drugs when the revised Penal Code takes effect on 1 July 2016.
Discrimination
Viet Nam completed the second round of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index in November 2014, providing evidence to inform efforts to achieve zero discrimination.
