Stigma and Discrimination

  

Stigma is a process of producing and reproducing inequitable power relations, where negative attitudes towards a group of people, on the basis of particular attributes such as their HIV status, gender, sexuality or behaviour, are created and sustained to legitimatise dominant groups in society.

Discrimination is a manifestation of stigma. Discrimination is any form of arbitrary distinction, exclusion or restriction, whether by action or omission, based on a stigmatised attribute.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination emerge from and reinforce pre-existing gender, race and socio-economic inequities and prejudices. Pre-existing prejudices and inequities, combined with fears about HIV infection, provide a fertile environment for HIV-related stigma and discrimination to flourish. A significant body of research demonstrates that HIV-related stigma and discrimination is widespread.

In order to address stigma and discrimination, multiple approaches are needed to ensure that:

  • individuals know about their rights, and are supported to respond to stigma, discrimination and their consequences
  • communities are supported to examine the nature and impact of stigma and discrimination and play an active role in preventing and eliminating stigma and discrimination
  • institutions, such as workplaces and healthcare settings, are supported to promote non-discrimination through effective workplace polices and programmes, and
  • laws and policy do not stigmatise PLHIV and affected communities.

THE PRINCIPLES:

We enable PLHIV and affected communities to understand their rights and respond to discrimination and its consequences.

We monitor and respond to systemic discrimination.


We enable communities to understand and address HIV-related stigma.

We foster partnerships with human rights institutions, legal services and unions to promote and protect the human rights of PLHIV and affected communities.