What is a human rights approach to HIV/AIDS?

Where individuals and communities are able to realize their rights - to education, free association, information and, most importantly, non-discrimination - the personal and societal impacts of HIV and AIDS are reduced. Where an open and supportive environment exists for those infected with HIV; where they are protected from discrimination, treated with dignity, and provided with access to treatment, care and support; and where AIDS is de-stigmatized; individuals are more likely to seek testing in order to know their status. In turn, those people who are HIV positive may deal with their status more effectively, by seeking and receiving treatment and psychosocial support, and by taking measures to prevent transmission to others, thus reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on themselves and on others in society.