Deadline for Abstracts: 20 September 2025
Cairo 52 Legal Research Institute is inviting submissions for a special publication focusing on HIV rights in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This is a timely opportunity for researchers, activists, legal professionals, and members of key populations to share their insights and contribute to a rights-based approach to tackling one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world.
About Cairo 52
Founded in 2020, Cairo 52 is a regional legal research institute dedicated to advancing sexual and bodily freedoms across the MENA region. The organization supports marginalized communities — including LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with HIV (PLHIV), sex workers, and women — through legal research, pro bono legal assistance, and alternative media initiatives. Their mission is to amplify silenced voices and promote a comprehensive understanding of fundamental human rights.
Why This Call Matters
Despite global progress, the MENA region is experiencing one of the most rapidly expanding HIV epidemics. Many PLHIV remain unaware of their status, and social and legal barriers continue to restrict access to prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Cairo 52’s special publication seeks to shed light on these challenges while proposing actionable solutions for a more equitable HIV response.
Key Themes for Submissions
Submissions may explore — but are not limited to — the following themes:
- Access to Services: Barriers faced by PLHIV and key populations in accessing HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
- Criminalization & Legal Reform: The impact of laws criminalizing same-sex relations, sex work, drug use, and HIV transmission on public health outcomes.
- Underrepresented Populations: Experiences of sex workers, people who use drugs, transgender individuals, migrants, and other often-overlooked groups.
- Geographic Focus: Country-specific or conflict-related contexts in North Africa, the Levant, or other underrepresented regions.
- Community-Led Responses: Contributions of civil society and grassroots initiatives in advocating for rights and delivering HIV services.
Each essay must include a recommendations section offering concrete proposals for funders, INGOs, and other stakeholders engaged in HIV-related work.
Submission Guidelines
- Who Can Submit: Researchers, activists, legal experts, healthcare practitioners, and key population members with links to the MENA region.
- First Step: Submit a 300-word abstract and 100-word author biography.
- How to Submit: Use the official online form.
- Full Essays: Selected authors will be invited to submit essays (2,000–4,000 words) following academic citation standards.
Timeline
- Abstract & Bio Deadline: 20 September 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 1 October 2025
- Full Essay Deadline: 20 October 2025
Recognition & Publication
Five selected essays will each receive a €300 prize and will be featured in Cairo 52’s special publication — contributing to an urgently needed knowledge base on HIV rights in MENA.
For questions, contact: research@cairo52.org
for further details you can see Cairo 52’s website.
