Publication Topic : HIV Criminalization

Submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Review of Canada at 32nd Session (March 3-21, 2025)

The HIV Legal Network (“Legal Network”) made this submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“Committee”) in advance of its review of Canada’s periodic report, detailing our concerns about Canada’s implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“Convention”) with respect to the rights of people living with … Read more

Criminalization of HIV and Sex Work in Western and Central Africa

This paper aims to explore the intersection of HIV criminalization and sex work to better understand how HIV criminalization affects sex workers, but also how the different forms of HIV criminalization and sex work reinforce each other and exacerbate violence and discrimination against sex workers living with HIV in the region. This project is a … Read more

Joint Statement to the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Joint written statement submitted by Stichting HIV Justice, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Frontline AIDS LTD., Harm Reduction International, ICW Global Comunidad Internacional de Mujeres viviendo con VIH – SIDA., Asociación Civil, non-governmental organizations in special consultative status.  Ending HIV Criminalisation and HIV-Related Entry, Stay and Residence Restrictions are Essential to Ending AIDS and Leaving No … Read more

Raising the Bar – 2023/2024 Annual Report

The creation of our annual report always gives us a unique opportunity to look back at a year’s worth of important work with hindsight, clarity, and pride. As you will see in Raising the Bar — our 2023/24 annual report — our successes and challenges don’t begin and end with the flip of a calendar … Read more

Submissions to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Review of Canada at 89th Session (October 7-25, 2024)

Submission on sex work, women who use drugs and gender-based violence, and HIV criminalization. Joint submission with the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition on drug policy and harm reduction, with sections on women and gender-diverse people in relation to (1) gender-based violence; (2) HIV prevention, access to culturally appropriate and gender-sensitive harm reduction services, and drug decriminalization; … Read more

Know Your Rights – HIV CRiminalization

This guide was prepared by the HIV Legal Network to answer some common questions about HIV disclosure and the criminal law in Canada. This guide gives you legal information, not legal advice — the difference between the two is important.

Statement – Challenging the constitutionality of Canada’s “excessive demand” regime in federal court

The HIV Legal Network and a client of Battista Migration Law Group are challenging the constitutionality of Canada’s “excessive demand” regime in federal court. On February 2, 2024, we filed legal arguments and materials challenging the decision of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to deny a work permit based on an applicant’s HIV status. … Read more

ACB Legal Resources

This brochure was prepared by the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO), HIV Legal Network, African Caribbean Council on HIV/ AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), and Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP). It will provide you with important information about the law in Canada. If you need legal advice, … Read more

MEDIA RELEASE: TODAY MARKS INTERNATIONAL HIV IS NOT A CRIME AWARENESS DAY. PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN CANADA DESERVE BETTER.

TODAY MARKS INTERNATIONAL HIV IS NOT A CRIME AWARENESS DAY. PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN CANADA DESERVE BETTER. The Government of Canada has long promised law reform in this country. Why are we still waiting? For immediate release The following can be attributed to the Canadian Coalition to Reform HIV Criminalization Wednesday, February 28, 2024 … Read more

Canada Must Take a Human Rights-Based Approach to HIV Self-Testing

On International Testing Week, more than 40 organizations from across Canada sign statement of support This statement can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network, HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario and the Canadian AIDS Society. Toronto, ON (November 23, 2023) – Today, more than 40 health and human rights organizations across the country have … Read more