HIV-related stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to accessing HIV services for people living with HIV worldwide. In this context, stigma can be understood as the negative perception of people living with HIV based solely on their HIV status. 

Sexualised drug use, i.e. the use of any legal or illegal psychoactive substance before or during sex, is not new. In fact, substances have been used to enhance pleasure and overcome inhibitions in many cultures through the ages. Research from the last few decades has shown that sexualised drug use is more frequent among the LGBTQI+ community than other populations. This can partly be traced back to minority stress, which creates a stronger need to connect, to enhance a sense of identity, to deal with painful emotions and
to form a sense of community.

We would like to share with you the report on HIV Criminalisation in the EU, which is a result of the two-phase study AAE  conducted in the framework of the European HIV Legal Forum.

In the first phase in 2018-2019, the data was collected from 10 countries. In the second phase, 2022 the data from the initial 10 countries was updated and collected from 10 new ones. The report includes information on the impact of legislation introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as trends, developments, and expected changes regarding the criminalisation of HIV.