Decision on the Continental Framework for Harmonization of Approaches Among Member States, and Integration of Policies on Human Rights and People Infected and Affected by Hiv/Aids In Africa Doc.assembly/AU/5 (VII)

DECISION ON THE CONTINENTAL FRAMEWORK FOR HARMONIZATION
OF APPROACHES AMONG MEMBER STATES, AND INTEGRATION OF
POLICIES ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEOPLE INFECTED
AND AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA
DOC.ASSEMBLY/AU/5 (VII)

The Assembly:

1. TAKES NOTE of the Continental Framework;

2. RECALLS the 2001 Abuja Declaration and Plan of Action on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases which highlighted that stigma, silence and denial constituted a major barrier to an effective response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic;

3. ALSO RECALLS the request of the 2001 Abuja Summit that a Continental Forum be convened to design a Continental Framework for Harmonization of Approaches among Member States, and Integration of Policies on Human Rights and People Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS;

4. RECOGNIZES the importance of greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS at all levels of planning, implementing and monitoring HIV/AIDS Control Policies and Programmes;

5. ENDORSES the decision by the 2006 AU Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis which adopted the Framework;

6. URGES Member States, using a multi-sectoral approach and in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Development Partners, to develop and/or implement appropriate frameworks at national level, based on appropriate provisions in the Continental Framework;

7. REQUESTS the Commission in collaboration with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and Development Partners, to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Continental Framework and biennially submit a Progress Report to the ordinary Session of the Executive Council.