by David Scamell, Open Society Public Health Program

July 25, 2012 - 6:50 pm

The US immigration rules place restrictions on the ability of sex workers and people who use drugs to enter the country. These rules are but one example of the many ways in which national and international laws, regulations and policies are impacting on the HIV vulnerability of most at-risk groups across the world.

by Julio Montaner, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

July 24, 2012 - 10:08 pm

We need to support the implementation of evidence-based health policy and effectively address the needs of communities infected and affected by HIV. We need to fully embrace the Washington DC declaration. Only then can we truly turn the tide together.

by Sienna Baskin

July 24, 2012 - 9:29 pm

The U.S. law that prohibits sex workers and drug users from attending the IAC from abroad is a frightening sign of the times. As co-directors of two U.S-based sex workers rights organizations, we stand with sex workers in their global fight for rights.

by Anushay Hossain

July 23, 2012 - 9:31 am

We cannot respond correctly to HIV/AIDS without addressing the majority who make up the pandemic: women.

by Alexandra Volgina, E.V.A.

July 23, 2012 - 9:23 am

For the past 10 years I’ve been open about my HIV status and my drug use history. I can’t lie about these things anymore. I just don’t do that. Now, it’s quite possible that my honesty will cost me a US visa.

by Ruth Morgan Thomas, Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP)

July 23, 2012 - 9:13 am

We will loudly advocate for the recognition of sex work as work, we will oppose the criminalization of sex work, and support the freedom of sex workers to self-organization and self-determination. In the absence of all these freedoms, HIV prevention policies, programs and efforts will remain ineffective.