Mr. President,
For Sweden the fight against HIV and AIDS stays high on the political agenda. For us it is clear that efforts to halt and reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS must be based on the basic principles of human rights and gender equality. The respect for and the full enjoyment of human rights by all people must be the foundation of the response to the pandemic.
The Swedish commitment to HIV and AIDS is shown through our financial contributions which have increased threefold during the last five years. But the Swedish support is not only about financial contributions. It is also about doing the right things, and doing them as effectively as possible.
The following perspectives are crucial to successfully reach the target of Universal Access to prevention, treatment and care:
Prevention must stay at the top of the agenda. Prevention interventions must cover all the complex matters that need to be openly addressed to combat HIV and AIDS. We have to talk about sexuality, intimacy and sexual relations, men who have sex with men, sexual violence including so called curative rapes, drug use, people who buy and sell sex, migrants, and trafficking in human beings. Prevention is about power relations in society, between men and women, parents and children, rich and poor.
Prevention efforts are critical for people not yet infected, not least among populations most at risk. It is also important to target people already infected with prevention strategies. HIV-positive pregnant women is one target group but the efforts should not stop there. Access to male and female condoms is crucial, as consistent condom use still is the most effective prevention method. But prevention is also about the search for new technologies. Long-term support is needed to develop effective vaccines and microbicides. For Sweden it is clear that we need to address all the broad and complex issues – that we must address the pandemic, and its consequences, with open eyes and open minds. This is relevant also in the Western world today, where prevalence rates are increasing.
Young people’s knowledge about HIV and AIDS is far below the targets endorsed by member states in the Declaration of Commitment in 2001. This is most worrisome. Information and knowledge promote a responsible behavior and help young people to protect themselves and their partners. Young people should have access to comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly services. Young people should have access to SRHR clinics, where they are also provided with information, supplies and services related to HIV and AIDS.
Young women and men must take active part in policy and decision making, in implementation and in follow-up activities. They are the ones open for change, the ones who dare to move in new directions. We can not afford to lose the great capacity embodied in young people!
Gender inequality is a key driver in the spread of the pandemic. Many women and girls are infected due to unequal relationships, sexual harassment, violence and rape. A young woman, particularly if she is married, runs a much higher risk of being infected than a young man. This is not acceptable. If a young woman can not be ensured the right to her own body and sexuality, and to protect herself from infection by demanding that her partner use a condom, how can we then hope to put an end to the spread of the pandemic? The strong link between HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights is undeniable. Women’s rights are about an equal balance of power in relationships, but also about economic empowerment and the right to own your own land, inheritance rights, and about the right to financial independence. We must meet the needs of those women whose only way to support themselves and their families is to sell their own bodies, and support their right to quality HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Gender equality is not only about women and girls. Men matter. Responsible men and boys are essential to reach gender equality and to put a stop to irresponsible sexual behaviour that puts women and girls at risk. Many boys and men have to change, both their beliefs and their attitudes and behavior. Men have to become equal partners and good fathers. We must not forget that male involvement is a win-win situation for both women and men.
HIV and AIDS is about rights, and it is about justice. Full respect for all human rights, including the right not to be subject to stigma and discrimination, is critical. All vulnerable groups must be made visible and provided with support. These include gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, people who sell or exchange sex for money or commodities, injecting drug users, and people – particularly children – who live on the street. Migrant workers and refugees are other groups at risk. Globally, most of these people face extreme discrimination and lack meaningful access to HIV prevention services. Addressing the special needs of vulnerable groups is critical to halt the spread of the pandemic. Obstacles to HIV prevention must be removed. For example, same sex relationships must be decriminalized so that these persons dare to exercise their rights and seek health services. Scaling up targeted HIV prevention strategies is an urgent public health necessity.
Developed countries have a particular responsibility to implement good policies to curb stigma and discrimination. Travel restrictions and visa policies are a case in point. Such restrictions must be lifted, wherever they are applied. Sweden reiterates the EU call for action on this.
We need an effective response, long term commitments and sustainable financing to reverse the spread of the pandemic. With rapidly increased international funding and many new national and international actors, it is necessary that the resources are being used in a more coherent, accountable and effective way. HIV and AIDS interventions must be part of the broader development agenda. International partners must support national priorities, plans and budgets. Financial commitments must be long term, and increased. Only then, will the response be effective and sustainable. Sweden welcomes efforts made by UNAIDS and the rest of the UN family, the Global Fund and the World Bank to reform the system to provide a better coordinated and more effective response to HIV and AIDS. We are looking forward to a continued and close cooperation in this field.
Finally, to win the fight against the pandemic, all actors are needed – both private and public. HIV and AIDS must be part of daily life, in schools, at the workplace and at faith based organizations meetings. The role of civil society is essential, the active and meaningful participation by people living with HIV and AIDS is key. Today, I am glad, as a Swedish AIDS Ambassador representing my Government, that the Swedish delegation includes representatives from non-governmental organizations, Parliament, business, faith-based organizations, trade unions and young people’s organizations. I sincerely hope that many countries in the world recognize the strength in such joint collaboration.
Thank You.