Youth Initiative on HIV & AIDS and Human Rights
The initiative adopts a participatory approach working with young people and vulnerable groups, and it focuses on HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
Launched jointly in 1999 by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector and UNAIDS, the Initiative is based mainly on the participatory approach, young people involvement and human rights approach to HIV and AIDS.
Activities focus on:
- Consultations/needs assessments with youth organizations;
- Elaboration of youth friendly IEC and resource materials on HIV & AIDS and Human Rights; and
- Training and capacity building of youth organizations on human rights and HIV & AIDS.
Some examples of young people-led activities carried out under the Youth Initiative are:
- Training Imams to confront Discrimination, Bangladesh;
- Mobilising Communities against Stigma, Malawi;
- Advocating tolerance over the radio waves, Zambia
Young People in Action Kit: HIV & AIDS and Human Rights
The HIV & AIDS and Human Rights kit provides ideas for youth action. It has been prepared in close consultation with young people from various youth organizations, in particular, with students from the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association and from the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation.
Manual para Jovenes, VIH y SIDA, Derechos Humanos y Genero
The handbook is intended for young people and was elaborated in collaboration between UNESCO Mexico, UNAIDS and UNIFEM.
The handbook includes basic information on HIV and AIDS, gender issues and human rights, and provides ideas for non-formal and informal educational activities.
Click here to download the manual in Spanish (pdf).





