EATG calls for unified actions to address the interconnected crises of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS

Public Statement by the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2024

As we approach the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” (GBV) from November 25 to December 10, 2024, the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) calls for immediate, unified actions to address the interconnected crises of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.

This year’s campaign theme, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, underscores the urgency to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence as we strive toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign concludes on International Human Rights Day, a poignant reminder of the fundamental rights violated by both gender-based violence and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. For EATG, this period also includes World AIDS Day on December 1, providing a critical opportunity to highlight the intersecting impacts of GBV on HIV/AIDS.

EATG is deeply worried that gender-based violence remains a pervasive human rights issue, disproportionately affecting women and especially Trans*gender women and girls. Violence and the threat of violence restrict Trans* women access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support services, and the survivors of violence often face barriers to healthcare and are at higher risk of HIV transmission.

In response, EATG has strengthened its focus on Trans*gender and HIV/AIDS, recently establishing a Trans*gender Focal Point position to ensure that all EATG initiatives actively incorporate gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches, addressing the complex realities faced by trans*gender people, and other vulnerable groups affected by both gender violence and HIV/AIDS. This initiative also amplifies our advocacy to eliminate structural inequalities, create safer spaces, and offer trauma-informed care for survivors of gender-based violence within trans*gender communities. We believe that gender equity and the right to live free from violence are fundamental to achieving optimal health outcomes for all.

We call upon the international community to join EATG in this vital cause. We urge governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers to prioritise gender-based violence as a public health crisis with far-reaching implications for HIV/AIDS. Increased investment in services that support survivors, alongside education, prevention, and support programs tailored to diverse gender experiences, is essential to ending this dual epidemic.

We encourage everyone to amplify the voices of survivors and those at risk of violence, using hashtags such as #EndGBV #HIVandGBV #EATGUnite #NoExcuse to share stories, insights, and resources on the link between gender-based violence and HIV. Some data from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, highlight the urgency of action at local and international level:

• In Armenia, 42% of transgender women reported experiencing physical violence, which correlates with lower rates of HIV testing and treatment adherence (UNAIDS).
• In Azerbaijan, studies indicate that over 50% of transgender individuals have faced discrimination in healthcare settings due to their gender identity, further exacerbating barriers to accessing HIV services (Human Rights Watch).
• In Georgia, approximately 30% of transgender women have reported being denied healthcare services after disclosing their gender identity, leading to increased vulnerability to HIV (ILGA-Europe).
• Moldova reports that 37% of transgender individuals experience violence that directly affects their ability to seek HIV treatment (UN Women).
• Ukraine has seen a 60% increase in reported cases of GBV against LGBTQ+ individuals, which severely impacts their health outcomes and access to HIV care (LGBT Human Rights Center ZMINA).
• In Belarus, 45% of transgender individuals have indicated that fear of violence prevents them from accessing necessary health services, including HIV testing (International Federation for Human Rights).
• Russia has documented that 70% of transgender people experience some form of violence, which directly correlates with a lack of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among those living with HIV (Transgender Europe).
• Kazakhstan reports that 55% of transgender women avoid healthcare facilities due to fear of GBV, resulting in a significant gap in HIV care (Eurasian Coalition on Male Health).
• Kyrgyzstan has noted that 40% of transgender individuals report a direct link between experiences of GBV and their reluctance to engage with healthcare systems for HIV prevention and treatment (Global Fund).
• Tajikistan highlights that over 50% of transgender people have faced GBV, impacting their mental health and willingness to seek HIV-related services (UNAIDS).
• Uzbekistan shows that 38% of transgender individuals have been victims of violence, which contributes to poor health outcomes related to HIV (Amnesty International).
• In Serbia, the rate of GBV against LGBTQ+ individuals is reported at 65%, leading to decreased utilization of HIV prevention services (Belgrade Pride).
• North Macedonia has indicated that nearly half of the transgender population has experienced violence that hinders their access to HIV care (Coalition Marginalized Communities).
• Croatia reports that 33% of transgender individuals have faced violence that directly impacts their health-seeking behavior for HIV services (Zagreb Pride).
• Albania shows that 36% of transgender persons report avoiding healthcare due to fear of violence, significantly affecting their access to HIV treatment (ILGA-Europe).

LINK TO THE STATEMENT

#16DaysofActivism

#OrangeTheWorld

#EndGBV

#HIVandGBV

#EATGUnite

#NoExcuse

How was November 25 chosen as the first day of 16 Days?

Women’s rights activists lobbied the United Nations to commemorate November 25 as a day against gender-based violence. On this date in 1960, three of the Mirabal sisters were murdered in the Dominican Republic by order of dictator Rafael Trujillo. The story of these brave women is captured in the historical fiction novel, In the Time of Butterflies (Julia Alvarez, 1994).

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 1993 with a declaration on the elimination of violence against women. Then on February 7, 2000, the UN voted to officially designate November 25 as the International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As such, the UN welcomes the partnership of governments and civil society such as international organizations and non-governmental organizations to support this issue and raise public awareness every year on this date.

(Source: FAWCO https://www.fawco.org/global-issues/human-rights/human-rights-articles/5058-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence-2024-nov-25-dec-10)