good governance practices for the protection of human rights

Second, the Parliamentary Group has participated in initiatives to raise awareness
about the spread of HIV/AIDS, prevention methods and government policies
on HIV/AIDS. For example, the Group was represented in large-scale campaigns,
including a campaign against homophobia. It also contributed to the training of
State employees in the public health and security sectors on the profound social
impact of the spread of HIV/AIDS and the complexity of public policies to respond
to HIV/AIDS. Such efforts have taken place at the federal and State levels
of government.
Third, the Parliamentary Group has attempted to create opportunities for public
participation in the formulation and implementation of HIV/AIDS-related
policies by organizing public hearings in the capital, Brasilia. In these public
meetings, participants debated issues such as the regularization of the supply of
antiretroviral treatment in the country, pharmaceutical patents and licensing,
mainstreaming the subject of HIV/AIDS into several public sectors, such as education
and social assistance, and measures guaranteeing the labour rights of people
living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the members of the Group attend meetings
organized by civil society. In 2005, for example, the members liaised with civil
society movements working on HIV/AIDS-related issues.
Fourth, the Parliamentary Group has worked to strengthen the capacity of State
and municipal levels of government to respond to the epidemic. It has liaised
with a network of experts from States and municipalities with the goal of decentralizing
activities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It has also encouraged the
establishment of parliamentary groups on HIV/AIDS at the State and municipal
levels of government. State parliamentary groups on HIV/AIDS have been established
in Espirito Santo, Santa Catarina and Parana, and one is planned in Rio
de Janeiro.
One example of a regional coordination effort is Baixada Santista, a metropolitan
region which comprises nine municipalities in Sao Paulo State and which
established its regional parliamentary group with municipal, State and federal
parliamentarians from different parties, civil society representatives, municipal
health secretaries and representatives of programmes on sexually transmitted diseases
and AIDS. This group organized ten public hearings in various municipal
assemblies within the region over a two-year period. It is currently discussing
financial assistance for people affected by chronic or degenerative diseases, including
people living with HIV/AIDS, who need public transport to access public
health services.
Impact on human rights and challenges
The work of the Parliamentary Group has raised awareness among public officials
and the public, and has improved coordination among the various levels
of government. The discussions leading to the adoption of HIV/AIDS-related legislation
also generated a public debate on ethics, human rights and HIV, and
strengthened a culture respecting and demanding human rights protection.
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