广播听力:Security Council Adopts Resolution Urging the World to Fight against HIV/AIDS

The United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution that underlines the continuing need for urgent and coordinated global action to curb the impact of HIV and AIDS in conflict and post-conflict situations. CRI's correspondent Shen Ting has more.

On the eve of the three-day high-level event on AIDS set to begin at UN Headquarters, the Security Council met and discussed on Tuesday the issue of HIV/AIDS and unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing that HIV poses "one of the most formidable challenges" to the development, progress and stability of societies and requires an "exceptional and comprehensive" global response.

The resolution underlines the continuing need for urgent and coordinated global action to curb the impact of HIV and AIDS in conflict and post-conflict situations. It recognizes the important role United Nations peacekeeping operations can play in responding to the epidemic.

In a speech delivered after the adoption of the resolution, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged all member states to link efforts to combat HIV/AIDS with the campaigns against sexual violence and the rights of women.

"That means addressing the dangerous interaction between AIDS, the international drug trade, sex trafficking and the abuse of women. This problem is not getting the attention it deserves."

Ban Ki-moon said the international community should renew their efforts to realize the goal of zero HIV infection, zero discrimination and AIDS-related deaths.

"We also need action after the ink dries on agreements and the guns fall silent. We need to help shattered societies prevent the spread of HIV. And we must provide treatment to everyone who needs it."

In next three days, world leaders will convene in at UN Headquarters for the High Level Meeting on AIDS. The gathering of heads of states and other leaders from government, the scientific community, civil society and the private sector offers a unique opportunity to review progress, share lessons learned and chart the future course of the global AIDS response.

For CRI News, this is Shen Ting from UN Headquarters in New York.