“criminalization of homosexuality in 80 countries” - CHRISTIAN WENAWESER-Liechtenstein (PHOTO with UNSG BAN KI-MOON) said that many of the ambitious development goals set by the international community depended on the success in combating the epidemic. While progress made in containing the spread was encouraging, the epidemic continued to outpace the global response and risked the failure to achieve universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support for the people affected by it. There were still too many barriers — nationally and internationally, and legally, financially, socially and culturally — which undermined efforts to provide such universal access. Only a comprehensive strategy that addressed all aspects of the complex phenomenon would enable the world to deliver on its commitments, and today’s political declaration pointed in the right direction. He emphasized that HIV/AIDS was as much a human rights imperative as a health and development issue. While several countries had positively contributed to de-stigmatizing affected persons, his Government remained concerned about ongoing discriminatory legal and factual situations in other countries. Specifically, the criminalization of homosexuality in almost 80 countries remained an obstacle to effectively addressing the epidemic. In addition, the social and economic marginalization of populations at higher risk of HIV infection often prevented them from fully enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to health. Thus, an adequate response to HIV/AIDS must fully recognize all structural determinants of HIV risks and vulnerabilities, including the gender dimension. In that regard, Liechtenstein regretted that, while the political declaration acknowledged the importance of providing universal access to sexual and reproductive health care, it had missed the opportunity to address the human rights dimension of the question. Related Reports at “Humanitarian” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/humanitarian ---“Iran on Adoption of HIV/AIDS Declaration” -http://diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/iran-on-adoption-of-un-hivaids-declaration-by-ambassador-mo/28877 ---“Ambitious Goals to Overcome HIV/AIDS” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/ambitious-goals-to-overcome-hivaids-by-ambassador-mo/28870 ---“Catholic Church (Holly See) on UN HIV/AIDS Declaration” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/catholic-church-holly-see-on-hivaids-declaration-adopted-at-un-summit-by-ambassador-mo/28876 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey FaceBook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX