Introductory statements were made by Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary- General of UNCTAD and Mr Michel Sidib, Executive Director of UNAIDS. During the address a statement was delivered by Mr Sidib on restrictions on entry, stay and residence that 52 countries and territories enforced based only on positive HIV status. He commended the removal of restrictions on people living with HIV in the majority of countries, but stated that 46 Countries have criminal laws against HIV while 86 have punitive laws. He emphasized the need for HIV to be de-criminalised and barriers removed. Society should transform to accommodate people with HIV and remove punitive laws.