Principles of participation in our conferences
IAS – the International AIDS Society – endorses freedom of expression as an essential principle in the response to HIV and AIDS and in promoting full participation in our conferences. The combined efforts of all stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society are required to halt and reverse the AIDS pandemic.
Activism and advocacy contribute to advancing commitment, policy and practice aimed at ending the epidemic. The right to participate in an IAS-organized conference is fundamental to ensuring open dialogue between all stakeholders. The IAS encourages debate and dialogue as key elements of participation among all conference participants, including delegates, sponsors, volunteers, speakers and presenters, researchers and scientists, community representatives, leaders and the media.
Peaceful protest has always been and continues to be a key element of participation in the conferences. The IAS has zero tolerance for the destruction of property and the use or threat of physical force by any individual or group of individuals during the conferences. The IAS opposes the disruption of conference sessions or satellite symposia that results in preventing dialogue and debate from taking place. Protests expected at the conference can include rallying and demonstrating as a social or political movement.
General principles
Our general principles for conference participation are developed in line with the core values of the IAS that you can find here.
-
Responsibility
All participants attending a conference are subject to the laws applicable in the host country. By attending a conference, participants also agree to adhere to these principles and values of conference participation.
-
Support
The conference will provide support and space for meaningful participation, including community involvement, to enable a broad spectrum of viewpoints.
-
Peaceful protest
This form of participation is supported at the conference. However, it is important to clarify that the IAS has zero tolerance for any action that involves the use or threat of physical force, intimidation or threatening behaviour, inappropriate language and gestures and abusive behaviour, as well as any destruction of property.
-
Prior resolution
These principles are intended to guide the IAS response to actual disruptions that prevent participation. The IAS encourages dialogue among and with participants prior to action that may result in disruption of participation. We will offer advice and assistance in facilitating dialogue and resolution and in preventing or de-escalating a disruption.
-
Access
The IAS reserves the right to withdraw the name badges and, therefore, deny access to participants who do not adhere to these principles.
IAS conferences code of conduct
IAS – the International AIDS Society – is committed to providing a productive and welcoming environment for all conference participants and IAS staff. All participants, including delegates, sponsors, donors, speakers and presenters, exhibitors, media and service providers, as well as IAS staff, are expected to abide by the conference code of conduct. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the code.
Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
