The effect of HIV/Aids in the southern Africa region has been catastrophic. As of 2006, more than 30% of all people living with HIV resided in Southern Africa. In Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Botswana, the infection rate as of 2005 was over 20%. Already vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and those living in poverty, tend to bear the brunt of the societal burden caused by HIV/Aids.

The promotion and protection of fundamental human rights is critical to stemming the spread and impact of HIV/Aids on individuals and communities. The failure to comply with human rights standards aids in the spreading of HIV and magnifies the negative impact of the disease on communities. Adherence to human rights standards can further the goals of universal access to treatment, and removal of the stigma and discrimination against people living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV infection. In addition, the large scale impact of HIV/Aids across the region has undermined the progress towards the full realization of human rights.

SALC’s Work
Working with local partners, SALC supports lawyers and HIV/Aids related community organizations by:

• providing legal assistance and support in key legal cases on HIV/Aids in the region;
• granting monetary support on specific legal cases on HIV/Aids;
• convening training workshops for lawyers, paralegals, justice officials, magistrates and judges on the role of the law in HIV/Aids policy;
• enhancing the capacity of HIV/Aids related community organizations to identify potential litigation opportunities, and to advocate and educate the community on the importance of particular legal cases; and
• promoting and facilitating networks of legal professionals and HIV/Aids related community organizations within the region.

Check out our database of HIV cases from around the world.