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The Buenos Aires Declaration 2004
Political Document of Regional Positioning
"Human Rights, Women and Aids"

At the second Regional Meeting of Women living with HIV/AIDS, organized by the Regional Secretariat of the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW Latina), we, the women in charge of the different National Chapters of the 17 countries that now constitute the ICW Latina gathered together from 7 to 11 November 2004, have unanimously decided to write this Declaration to be presented to political, social, labor and entrepreneurial leaders , people who work in the mass media and some others who are part of the most dynamic social sectors belonging to our countries and around the world. Our ultimate aim is to get to them, draw their attention to start what Nelson Mandela, a clear example of commitment in the fight against AIDS, said in the last International Conference of AIDS held in Bangkok that Humanity is on the brink of extinction if in the near future we are not able to identify, massive and coordinated plans of action in social response to the AIDS pandemic.

These plans must definitely include all of us, the people living with HIV/AIDS working in conjunction with the powerful forces that not only integrate all nations with each other but also build their own identity.

Therefore, we hereby declare our determination, our commitment to action and our demands in this Declaration:

ICW Latina Positioning Agreement Document.

We, the women living with HIV/AIDS who are gathered here together are intended to fight for the following points hereby request that: The United Nations Organization (WHO) in the framework of the UNGASS Declaration duly supports in our efforts to:
WHO in the set of the agreed guidelines of the UNGASS Declaration:
We, the women gathered here who are living with HIV and AIDS, propose to fight for the following points and hereby request that:
The United Nations Organization, in the framework of the UNGASS Declaration, duly supports us to:

• Ensure full implementation of said Declaration by the Member States particularly the following articles: 32, 33, 37, 59 and 95. ( please, find attached the UNGASS Declaration)
• Fight to ensure that the MIPA Principal (More Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS), is included in national policies.
• Enforce compliance with International Directives on HIV and AIDS.
• Find a National Framework that guarantees a coordinated course of action with political participation and programs on HIV/AIDS in all government areas.
• Ensure the participation of Women Living with IHV/AIDS (as a ICW reference) in the formulation of action policies and the programs assessment related to HIV/AIDS.
• Analyze and strengthen sanitary legislation on public health issues.
• Adapt and ensure the implementation of penal and penitentiary laws by means of humanitarian mechanisms towards the people living with HIV/AIDS who are in prison in the region.
• To disseminate or strengthen legislation combating discrimination.
• Adopt policies that regulate the goods, services and information related to HIV/AIDS.
• To provide legal assistance aimed at helping PLHIV of their rights.
• To promote specific programs for women young people, and other vulnerable groups. Resistance test, viral charge, CD4.
• To advocate for change in attitudes of discrimination and stigmatization vis à vis the HIV and AIDS pandemic into attitudes of understanding and acceptance.
• Monitor and ensure the fulfillment of HR on the part of the government.
• Monitor the handling of international funds
We request the States of the Region:
• To increase the involvement of the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (ICW) in the decision-making process.
• Revise the informed consents so the subjects who enter a clinical trial of any kind related to HIV/AIDS can understand clearly what they are signing.
• Make sure that the government provides women with education and training in health care in different areas of production for their own benefit and family support.
• Increase State funds in health and prevention programs of the community in terms of HIV/AIDS.
• Encourage HIV/AIDS prevention from the beginning of school life.
• Establish norms in the public and private sectors to improve the quality of life of women with HIV/AIDS.
• Monitor the quality of the ARV drugs we take.
• Provide resources for research into women and children on the effects of ARV therapy and assistance to them
• Continually update the statistical records with accurate figures.
• Have respect for a dignified death so that we request all the States in the region to provide financial support to widows/ widowers and orphan children due to HIV/AIDS.
• Optimize the use of resources for HIV/AIDS programs.

The States, the United Nations, their current and future leaders and the whole community in each of our countries and worldwide can count on us so that together with men- as we have been doing since the beginning of time and also of the HIV/AIDS pandemic- will be able to reach these not only the humanitarian objectives but also the defense of Human Rights.

For all of us, our children and families, for the all humanity.
Here we are, prepared for this fight!

Patricia Pérez
Regional Secretariat
ICW Latina

ICW Argentina– Teresa Espinosa
ICW Boliviana– Marcela Cabezas
ICW Brazil– Jucara Portugal
ICW Chile– Nancy Marín
ICW Colombia– Yaneth Valencia
ICW Costa Rica – María Solano
ICW Dom. Republic – Felipa García
ICW Ecuador– Gladis Verdesoto
ICW Guatemala – Berta Chete
ICW Honduras – Rosa Gonzalez
ICW Mexico – Hilda Esquivel
ICW Nicaragüa– Arely Cano
ICW Panama– Edith Tristán
ICW Peru – Mery Chilingano
ICW El Salvador– Guadalupe Iraheta
ICW Uruguay– Maureen Brenson
ICW Venezuela – Betty Escobar

Buenos Aires, November 11, 2004.