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Transparency and the UNGASS HIV/AIDS high-level review meeting

Joint Statement to UNAIDS

As the date of the UN General Assembly’s high-level review of progress on implementation of the 2001 “Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS” (Doc) draws closer (31 May – 2 June, 2006), we wish to raise an urgent issue that demands immediate attention.

UNAIDS requested governments to submit progress reports on DoC implementation by December 31st, 2005 (later extended to January 31st, 2006). At the same time, over 25 civil society organizations presented UNAIDS with independently-researched national “shadow reports”, and have shared these findings with each other, with their governments and with the broader public (see www.ungasshiv.org).

Unfortunately, despite our repeated requests, government reports have not yet been made publicly available by UNAIDS. Without public access to governments’ official assessments of their progress, it is not possible for civil society groups to comment, respond, and offer alternative assessments and perspectives at the high-level review. We are certain you will agree that civil society groups have different and equally valuable perspectives to governments – perspectives which will add immeasurably to the discussion and debate at the high-level review.

The DoC urges the involvement of civil society as an equal partner at all levels of policy-making, implementation and monitoring and evaluation (DoC: p32-33; 94-103). To fulfill this critical aspect of the DoC, it is clear that transparent policy-making processes and access to critical information are essential. In the interest of preserving the credibility and legitimacy of the high-level review meeting, please let us know when and how UNAIDS plans to make available both the government progress reports it has received and its “global progress report.” We would also request a full accounting of which governments have reported on DoC implementation as requested, and which have not. We trust that these requests can be met well in advance of the high-level meeting.

With thanks for your continued support for strong civil society participation in the UNGASS HIV/AIDS high-level review.