Working Together, Stronger Together - Mobilisation March

The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) and Victorian Trades Hall Council are facilitating the
Working Together, Stronger Together - AIDS 2014 Mobilisation March from 3:30PM Tuesday 22 July
2014.
The Mobilisation March has been a traditional part of the International AIDS Conference, tracing its origins
back to the political marches at the 1987 International AIDS Conference. Since then, the March has
been used as a vehicle for airing both political and cultural issues faced by the global HIV/AIDS community.
The March has a history of focussing on a diverse range of issues impacting on the fight against HIV/
AIDS. Issues likely to be raised in this March include, but are not limited to:
Access to Affordable Treatment
Fighting HIV Stigma and Discrimination
Freedom of Movement for People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
Access to Effective Prevention Options
LGBTI Rights
Government Inaction on Preventing the Spread of HIV
Eliminating the Criminalisation of HIV
The last of these being particularly topical in light of the recent announcement by the Victorian Government
to amend section 19A of the Crimes Act 1958 which identifies the intentional transmission of HIV
as a criminal act.
At 3:30PM, the March will assemble at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) - the
location of the 20th International AIDS Conference.
Commencing at the front of the MCEC, the March will proceed down Flinders Street. The March will
significantly change format at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street before arriving at Federation
Square. The March will be largely comprised of international activists and conference delegates
joined by local activists and community groups to raise awareness of issues faced by people living with
HIV (PLHIV) across the globe as well as at-risk communities.
The rally will open with speeches from local and international activists in addition to Victorian Trades Hall
Council’s Luke Hilakari and VAC CEO Simon Ruth. The March concludes at Federation Square, where it is
followed by the AIDS 2014 Candlelight Vigil from 6PM. All Mobilisation March attendees are encouraged
to stay and attend the Vigil.