From July 22 to 26, the World AIDS Conference, also known as "AIDS 2024," took place in Munich. This event brought together over 15,000 scientists, doctors, healthcare experts, and activists from more than 175 countries. The main topic of discussion was issues related to HIV and AIDS.

From our organization, the head, Takhmina Haidarova, attended the conference. She actively participated in sessions and spoke at a session dedicated to HIV and breastfeeding, organized by Deutsche Aidshilfe. In her speech, she shared her experiences of motherhood, discussed the challenges faced by women in Tajikistan, and addressed issues related to stigma and discrimination, including the presence of a criminal code.

This conference provided participants with the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and scientific research, as well as to discuss ways to combat HIV infection and AIDS. Participants were also able to establish new contacts and strengthen existing connections, which contributes to more effective cooperation in the future. The conference featured the latest research and developments aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Tajik human rights activist and labor migration expert Shukhrat Latifov joined the virtual expert discussion at the Central Eurasia project.

Danial Saari (Kazakhstan), Editor of the Central Eurasia Expert Network: What are the main problems in the development of the Central Asian countries (CA) and the relations between them that you would note?

Shukhrat Latifov (Tajikistan), program coordinator of the non-governmental organization TNWplus ("Tajik Network of Women Living with HIV"): it is difficult to answer such a question in two words. Ideally, many factors and trends should be noted and, in general, an analysis of the geopolitical configuration in the region should be given. However, I will limit myself to just a few suggestions.

So, I see the main problems on the path of development of the Central Asian countries as follows:

-monopolization of basic resources and sectors of the economy by officials, which, among other things, prevents healthy competition;

- widespread corruption;

-political and economic dependence of the Central Asian countries on Russia;

-leakage of "brain" frames (braindrain) from Central Asia.

Decriminalization of HIV by empowering young women living with HIV in Tajikistan was discussed during the round table.

According to official data, 13070 cases of HIV infection (8,342 men and 4,728 women) were registered in Tajikistan from 1991 to December 2020. The main ways of HIV transmission in the Republic of Tatarstan: 60% sexually, 29.4% by injection, 6.7% indefinitely, 3.9% from mother to child%

This was stated by Tahmina Khaidarova, director of the republican NGO "Tajik Network of Women Living with HIV" during a round table held in Khujand.

The event was organized within the framework of the project "Decriminalization of HIV by empowering young women and girls living with HIV in the Republic of Tajikistan", which is supported by the American Embassy in Tajikistan.

The objectives of the project are to inform law enforcement officials and decision makers about human rights, problems of stigma, discrimination, and violence related to HIV, about international norms in the field of protection of the rights of PLHIV (people living with HIV). Monitoring of court cases under Article 125 part 1 in relation to PLHIV. If necessary, the provision of legal protection and the creation of a platform for discussing the decriminalization of HIV/AIDS in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tatarstan. Informing PLHIV about their rights within the framework of existing legislative norms of the Republic of Tatarstan in order to prevent falling under Article 125 Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Within the framework of the project, training is planned for 60 representatives of law enforcement agencies, represented by district inspectors and judges in Sughd, Khatlon region, Dushanbe and the Republic of Tajikistan. Also for 60 people living with HIV from among activists, peer counselors and social workers.

As stated by the head of the Department for Women and Family Affairs of the IOG of Khujand, Muyassara Kahori, in fact, the problem needs the comprehensive work of all structures.

According to official data, in 2019, 39 criminal cases were initiated against 32 HIV-infected persons under article 125, part 1 (HIV infection) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. Most of these cases are aroused in the attitude of women. Due to the migration of men, our women and girls are vulnerable and at risk of HIV infection, therefore, efforts of information and preventive measures are needed. Joint, well-established work with all relevant structures should lead to an improvement in the situation and a reduction in HIV infections in the country, and the prevention of falling under criminal prosecution.