May 12, 2006: Civil Society and Government Policy Dialogue Takes Place in preparation for UNGASS+5

On May 12, in advance to the UNGASS+5, a forum for policy dialogue between civil society and the government in regards to the HIV/AIDS response took place at Keio University, sponsored by Japan AIDS & Society Association with the cooperation of GII/IDI Network (a Japanese network of NGOs involved in health issues). From the government, two staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and 3 staff from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) attended. 3 staff from Japanese Foundation for AIDS Prevention also attended. 12 people from civil society participated, including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and representatives of the Youth Coalition.

Masayoshi Tarui, Vice-Chair of Japan AIDS & Society Association (also professor at Keio University) facilitated the forum. Each member of civil society and the government spoke about their country report, which was followed by an in-depth discussion. MHLW stated that they plan on resolving problems with the current HIV/AIDS response, as they just revised their AIDS Prevention Guidelines. On the other hand, civil society called for the shared understanding that Japan is entering the stage of concentrated epidemic, implementation of an HIV/AIDS response that meets international standards as reflected in the Declaration of Commitment, and further participation of civil society, including PLWHA in policy-making.

An exchange of opinion and discussion followed regarding the Political Declaration proposed by the President of the General Assembly. Civil society asserted that in order to achieve universal access to treatment, care and prevention by 2010, the Political Declaration needs to be refined so that progress is assessable. Furthermore, civil society insisted that the need to ensure human rights of and provide appropriate responses for men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sex workers and other communities vulnerable to HIV ought to be included in the Political Declaration. Having said that the Political Declaration is overall satisfactory, the Japanese government stated that they would not include any references to harm reduction measures. In turn, civil society argued for the need to include harm reduction, which fueled further discussion.

This forum, initiated and sponsored by civil society, was an opportunity for policy dialogue preceding UNGASS+5, and was the first time for such dialogue to take place between the Government of Japan and civil society. It clarified common ground and differences between civil society and the government. It is hoped that this will serve as a beginning of future efforts and cooperation based on an equal relationship between civil society and the government in fighting HIV/AIDS, a much needed framework.