Definition:

Human rights are a set of universal entitlements that individuals enjoy irrespective of their sex, nationality, religion, culture or other status, that are inherent to human beings and that are proclaimed and protected by international law.

Among the human rights principles relevant to HIV/AIDS are:

• The right to non-discrimination, equal protection and equality before the law;
• The right to life;
• The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;
• The right to liberty and security of person;
• The right to freedom of movement;
• The right to seek and enjoy asylum;
• The right to privacy;
• The right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to freely receive and impart information;
• The right to freedom of association;
• The right to work;
• The right to marry and to found a family;
• The right to equal access to education;
• The right to an adequate standard of living;
• The right to social security, assistance and welfare;
• The right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits;
• The right to participate in public and cultural life;

The right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment