Over a thousand people from around the world gathered together outside the U.N. this afternoon to protest the lack of effective action on AIDS by world leaders.

See more PICTURES from the rally.

See the PRESS coverage.

PRESS RELEASE: Release

BACKGROUND:

In 2001, world leaders committed to fight AIDS.

It is now 5 years since they met. 15 million people are dead from AIDS. And there are 25 million new HIV infections.

From May 31 - June 2, 2006, world leaders will meet again at the United Nations to claim they are committed to stopping AIDS and to hide from their failures.

JOIN WITH ACTIVISTS FROM RIGHT HERE IN NEW YORK CITY AND FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO DEMAND ACTION, NOT EMPTY PROMISES!

Our Four Basic Demands:

1) Ensure that no one has to be on a waitlist for AIDS treatment in the U.S. AND facilitate universal access to treatment by eliminating barriers to the use of cheaper, generic equivalents of ARVs globally.

2) Significantly reduce the number of new infections in marginalized communities in the U.S. AND throughout the world, by promoting gender-sensitive reproductive health services, ending the federal needle exchange ban, and promoting science-based prevention methods including condom use and comprehensive sex education over abstinence-only approaches.

3) Provide adequate health insurance coverage for all PLWHAs in the U.S., AND fund and support initiatives for strong, local health systems in communities abroad.

4) Fully fund, at levels called for by civil society, a comprehensive Ryan White Care Act, AND multilateral HIV/AIDS efforts, like the Global Fund for AIDS, to promote efficient, sustainable HIV/AIDS programs.

Three Actions You Can Do:

1) Get your organization to add its name to the Platform -- click here to read it: Sign on in support of the Platform and Action!

2) Help spread the word: Download and post fliers!

3) Come to the RALLY AND MARCH at the UN!

      Wednesday, May 31

      12:30pm at Dag Hammerskjold Plaza

      (47th Street between 1st and 2nd Aves)

Demand that the leaders of rich countries and the most affected countries listen to people most directly affected by HIV and fulfill their commitments to fighting AIDS!