In the growing number of armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, HIV/AIDS is becoming a significant threat to lives. In the decade ahead, HIV/AIDS is expected to kill ten times more people than conflict does. HIV/AIDS and conflict are combining to threaten the lives of young people, especially girls. What are the consequences of this threat? What can be done to protect the lives of young people threatened by the disease in conflict situations?
This report from Save the Children Fund explores the effects of HIV/AIDS on young people in conflict situations around the world. Drawing on direct experience from conflict situations in diverse countries and continents, the report shows that war and mass displacements spread HIV/AIDS. This is not just a health problem but a serious threat to global security. Such a threat must be acknowledged by the international community as a double emergency and a widespread violation of children’s rights to life, protection and assistance. The report makes it clear that by failing to protect the lives of young people directly threatened by HIV/AIDS in conflicts and related emergencies around the world, governments and their international partners are reneging on their obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS.
In war, HIV/AIDS spreads rapidly as a result of sexual bartering, sexual violence, low awareness about HIV, and the breakdown of vital services in health and education. Young people are most at risk. Other findings are:
- Many young women and girls in refugee and post-conflict settings are forced to use their bodies to get food and clothing for themselves and their families. Powerlessness and fear heighten the risk of HIV transmission
- Behind the widespread lack of awareness and denial of HIV/AIDS is an almost total absence of sexual reproductive health services in most conflict situations and refugee camps
- Governments in most conflict-affected countries are not responding adequately to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, due to lack of resources, capacity and commitment
- A lack of focus on the rights of children and young people in conflict situations leads to an increased risk for them of exposure to HIV infection
- A lack of international funding is the single largest obstacle to reducing the spread of HIV in conflict situations. International financing remains grossly inadequate
- Struggling to provide for basic needs, humanitarian agencies are neglecting their responsibility to provide refugees and displaced people with access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
In conflict situations, waiting for peace as a response for HIV/AIDS is not an option. Donors and humanitarian agencies have to deploy sufficient resources in an effective manner, to prevent the further spread of HIV. Other policy implications include:
- An international response should be based on children’s rights, an understanding of the epidemiology and also the very real threats posed to community, national and international security
- Integrated multi-agency activities have to be implemented to address HIV at country level
- Children and young people should participate in the design and implementation of humanitarian agencies programmes. Solutions must begin by strengthening their skills and defences
- Funding has to support the provision of basic healthcare, essential information, food security, livelihoods support measures, and the reduction of sexual exploitation.
