In the run-up to the presidential elections in Moldova, society once again witnessed attempts by politicians to use hate rhetoric against the LGBTIQ+ community as a campaign tool. This time, former President Igor Dodon accused the non-governmental organization Genderdoc-M of filing a “criminal complaint” against him concerning his political statements. According to Dodon, this is related to his campaign promises to ban “LGBT propaganda” in schools and Chisinau.
On September 10, Igor Dodon published a message in which he claimed that Genderdoc-M accused him of inciting prejudice-based violence. The occasion was his statement on the inadmissibility of LGBTIQ+ propaganda in schools, which was part of his election promises. The former president said that his position expressed the opinion of the majority of teachers and parents, which made such statements acceptable in his political program.
However, as early as September 11, Angelica Frolova, administrative director of Genderdoc-M, responded to Dodon’s accusations, saying that all of the organization’s complaints against the former president had been filed long before this case. She noted that the statement referred to by Dodon does not refer to the current year and has not been documented by the organization recently. Thus, the conflicts between the NGO and Dodon refer to earlier complaints, which cast doubt on the relevance of the politician’s claims.
The politician is also actively using the LGBTIQ+ theme in his campaign rhetoric, claiming that after the presidential election, the government led by Maia Sandu intends to introduce quotas for the employment of LGBTIQ+ people in state institutions. These claims were made on his program “Live with Igor Dodon” on September 13, where he assured viewers that European partners were demanding that Moldova implement quotas for the LGBTIQ+ community.
However, these claims were quickly refuted by government spokesman Daniel Voda, who called Dodon’s words “false.” In his statement, Voda reminded us that political campaigns should be based on respect for citizens, not manipulation and misinformation. He also mentioned Dodon’s previous false claims about employment quotas for Syrians, foreigners, and other groups, which had no real basis.
Using the LGBTIQ+ theme as a tool to mobilize the electorate is not a new technique for politicians, especially those who appeal to conservative and homophobic sentiments in society. Political leaders often use such rhetoric to create an image of an “enemy” that allegedly threatens traditional values and national identity. In Moldova, where the topic of European integration is hotly debated, the issue of LGBTIQ+ rights often becomes a reason to divide society into “pro-European” and “pro-conservative” citizens.
It should be noted that the presidential election to be held on October 20 will be an important stage for Moldova’s future. Although Igor Dodon is not running, his party, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), supports the candidacy of former Prosecutor General Alexandru Stoianoglo. In turn, Maia Sandu, the incumbent president and leader of the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), will compete for the post again.
In an electoral race, the use of hate speech against the LGBTIQ+ community can be a serious challenge for a society striving for European integration and the building of a tolerant democratic state. Divisions in society based on prejudice and fear of imaginary threats can undermine trust in democratic processes and slow down the country’s path toward European human rights standards.
The example of Igor Dodon shows how hate rhetoric and manipulation can become a powerful tool in electoral struggles, especially against vulnerable groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community. It is important to remember that such discourse not only misinforms society but can also reinforce discrimination and violence. Society and political leaders must recognize the dangers of such rhetoric and strive for an open and constructive dialogue aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their identity or orientation.
The stories of Gulnara (name changed) and Askhat (name changed) show how police abuse and bias can lead to human rights violations, especially against people who use psychoactive substances.
Gulnara was on her way to a syringe exchange point (SEP) when she was stopped by police officers, citing her “inappropriate behavior.” Under this pretext, they searched her and searched her bag, where they found used syringes, which she was carrying for exchange.
The police began to insult her rudely and, despite the absence of a crime, forcibly took her to a narcological dispensary for a drug test. Although Gulnara did not violate the law, her rights to personal freedom and human dignity were seriously violated.
Another case involved Askhat, a representative of a community of people who use new psychoactive substances (NPS). He was returning home when he was stopped by police officers at the entrance of his house. They said that they had received a complaint from neighbors that Askhat was running a drug den at his home and that people were coming to use drugs.
The conversation was aggressive and intimidating: the police officers called him names and threatened him with imprisonment for creating a brothel. Askhat was shocked, as such accusations were false – he lives with his sister, and such incidents have never happened in his apartment. The police promised to search his apartment and said that they would “definitely find drugs”, but Askhat explained that he had no keys and needed to wait for his sister. The police officers said they would return later to search.
These stories of Gulnara and Askhat show how police bias and abuse of power can violate citizens’ rights. Despite the absence of evidence or violations of the law, they faced insults, intimidation, and threats, which emphasize the need for greater oversight of police actions to protect the rights of vulnerable groups.
REAct expresses its deepest sorrow and outrage over the brutal murder of Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent transgender model and activist, and strongly condemns the passage of anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation in Georgia that threatens the rights and freedoms of key groups.
“The death of Kesaria Abramidze is a clear indication that violence and discrimination against vulnerable communities in Georgia has reached a critical level. Her death, amidst the numerous incidents of violence she has been subjected to over the years, demonstrates how dangerous the climate of intolerance and disregard for the rights of transgender people and the LGBTIQ+ community as a whole is becoming. We call for an immediate, objective investigation into this crime and for those responsible to be brought to justice.” – said Tetiana Deshko, Director of International Programs, Alliance for Public Health.
Kesaria’s tragic death occurred against the backdrop of the anti-LGBTIQ+ legislative package passed by the Georgian Parliament on September 17. This package, hiding behind the rhetoric of protecting “family values,” not only violates the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community but also restricts the basic freedoms of all citizens. The adopted law strengthens censorship and impedes the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration. This opens a dangerous precedent in which the rights of any group can be easily violated, setting the stage for wider repression in the future.
32 non-governmental organizations, as well as the Venice Commission, have condemned the package of laws, stressing that it does not address the real problems faced by families and minors in Georgia – such as poverty, inflation, increased emigration, and problems with access to basic services. The legislation is aimed at manipulating public opinion and creating barriers to Georgia’s European integration. The adoption of these laws is a step backward in the democratic development of the country and demonstrates the authorities’ refusal to fulfill international obligations to protect human rights.
“We appeal to the Georgian authorities to cancel this legislative package and ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. These repressive measures, accompanied by an increase in violence, demonstrate systemic human rights problems in Georgia, which requires decisive and immediate action.” – emphasizes Victoria Kalyniuk, REAct System Coordinator for the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, Alliance for Public Health.
REAct expresses solidarity with Georgia’s LGBTIQ+ community and all those affected by this legislation and continues to stand up for the rights and dignity of key groups in the country and the region.
Despite advances in modern medicine and access to information, people living with HIV continue to face prejudicial attitudes. One such story is the case of Maria (name changed), a woman living with HIV, whose child was denied admission to kindergarten because of her diagnosis.
Maria was shocked when the kindergarten administration did not agree to accept her child, citing possible “risks” for other children. Maria realized the refusal was based on fears and misinformation and decided not to let it go unchallenged. She sought help from the REActor, who immediately intervened and organized a meeting with the kindergarten administration and representatives of the local education department. At the meeting, he explained the main myths about HIV and its transmission, dispelling the fears of the staff. He emphasized that children born to mothers living with HIV do not pose a threat to other children and should have the right to full participation in the educational process. In addition, the REActor conducted a training for the kindergarten staff, explaining the importance of not discriminating based on HIV status.
Thanks to the REActor’s competent work, Maria’s child was accepted to the kindergarten and a training program on HIV and non-discrimination was introduced for all preschool staff in the region. This case showed that even in difficult situations justice can be achieved.
It is important to remember that people living with HIV have the same rights as everyone else, and discrimination based on HIV status is unacceptable. And REActors are always ready to help those who face violations of their rights, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The story of Alina (name changed), a patient diagnosed with trophic ulcers, demonstrates how the bias and lack of awareness of medical professionals can become a serious obstacle to quality treatment. Alina was admitted to the hospital under a government quota but encountered a problem when she told her primary care physician that she was a participant in a substitution therapy program (OAT).
Alina honestly admitted that she was on the drug treatment register and participating in OAT, asking for permission to leave the hospital in the morning to get her life-saving medication, as it was not available on hand. The doctor reacted extremely harshly, calling her a “drug addict” and threatening to discharge her, instead of showing professionalism and understanding.
Finding herself in a difficult situation, when she needed both urgent medical help and support in her addiction treatment, Alina turned to REActor for help. He quickly contacted the patient support expert at the hospital, described the situation, and asked for action. In response, the hospital promptly allocated an hour between treatments for Alina to receive the drug. Moreover, a meeting was organized with her attending physician, which was attended by the expert, the REActor, and the physician supervising the OAT program at the medical institution.
During the meeting, the doctor was informed that discrimination against patients is unacceptable. The expert reminded us that OAT is a legal and effective treatment method that has been successfully used for more than 50 years, especially important for HIV and AIDS prevention among opioid-dependent patients. Thanks to REActor’s active support, Alina was able to get help and protect her rights.
This story also underscores the importance of educating healthcare providers about programs like OAT. Awareness and respect for patients are key steps towards eliminating discrimination in medicine and creating a level playing field for all who need treatment.
Article 125 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code criminalizes HIV transmission, which is a serious concern, especially for women living with the virus. Endangering HIV infection is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years. If transmission occurs, the penalty is increased to five years, and in cases involving more than one person or minors, to ten years.
The biggest problem is the fact that the majority of those convicted under Article 125 are women. Many of them are subjected to domestic violence and stigmatization and face discrimination in society. Fear of disclosure of HIV status and subsequent criminal prosecution often prevents them from protecting their rights and receiving the support they need. Instead of accessing treatment and psychological support, these women face harsh criminal penalties.
An example of this is the case of Gulzira (name changed), who was convicted under Article 125, Part 1 for “endangering HIV infection” and sentenced to one year of imprisonment in a general regime colony. The state prosecutor demanded a harsher sentence of 1.5 years.
Another case concerns Dinora (name changed), sentenced to one year in prison under the same article, despite the prosecution’s request to increase the sentence to two years due to her previous convictions under this article.
Simon (name changed) was convicted under Article 125, paragraph 2, for actual transmission of HIV. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 somonis. Additionally, he was convicted of illegal seizure of a land plot, for which he was fined 17,000 TJS. However, by failing to pay this fine, Somon received a cumulative punishment. The prosecutor demanded that he be imprisoned for 4 years and 6 months.
The situation is still bleak. However, in December 2023, an important development occurred: the Plenum of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan adopted a decision calling on courts to take into account international standards when considering HIV-related cases. Central to this decision is the concept of “Undetectable = Untransmissible”, according to which people on antiretroviral therapy who have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to others. This ruling was an important step towards decriminalizing HIV transmission and changing the approach to jurisprudence – shifting the focus from criminal prosecution to providing health care and support to people living with HIV. It protects their rights and prevents stigmatization by emphasizing the need for adequate treatment and care rather than punishment.
The introduction of the change in jurisprudence was an important step in the defense of people living with HIV. However, more needs to be done on the road to justice. It is hoped that the final abolition of Article 125 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code will be the next step and that outdated norms that only reinforce discrimination and stigmatization will be replaced by modern approaches based on respect for human rights and international standards.
In Kazakhstan, discrimination against former prisoners remains one of society’s hidden but acute problems. Even after serving their sentence and being released, many face unjustified obstacles, humiliation, and rough treatment from probation service representatives. A criminal record becomes an obstacle to a normal life, even if a person sincerely seeks re-socialization.
Askar (name changed) was released from prison at the request of an NGO. His release was a long-awaited event, as he was finally able to return to his family. After a long separation from his wife and child, he managed to restore relations with them by taking a resocialization course at a crisis center. Askar decided to move to another neighborhood to start his life anew, closer to his family, in a calmer and more supportive environment.
Askar understood that he was obliged to comply with all the conditions of probation, so he notified in advance the inspector who supervised him after his release. But the inspector’s response was far from professional. In response to the notification of the move, the inspector stated that he had not given permission to change his place of residence and that he “did not have time to chase every prisoner all over the city”. Askar’s file was reprimanded and the inspector threatened that if he violated the conditions again, he could be returned to the correctional facility.
Askar was completely desperate. He had followed the law and all the requirements of probation but faced harsh and unfair treatment. Thanks to REActor’s support, Askar was able to understand the situation and prove his case. REActor accompanied him to a meeting with the inspector, where it was shown that all of Askar’s actions were legal and that moving with his family was an important part of his re-socialization, reducing the risk of recidivism.
But even though in the end the permission to change the place of residence was obtained, the mark about the alleged violation remained in Askar’s file.
Another case occurred with Ilyas (name changed), who was convicted of distributing narcotic drugs and served his sentence in a general regime colony. After his release on parole, he regularly checked in with the probation department. Every week he came at a strictly scheduled time to meet with his supervisor. But one day, on June 3, 2024, when Ilyas arrived for his check-in at the scheduled time, his supervisor was not present.
The probation officer on duty told Ilyas to wait. More than an hour passed, and realizing that being late for work could cost him termination, Ilyas again asked for the inspector to be called. However, the inspector was still not there, and without waiting, Ilyas left in order not to lose his job.
In the evening of the same day, after 8 p.m., the inspector suddenly appeared at Ilyas’s house. There was a loud shout in the entrance: “Why didn’t you, convict, come to the mark?! I’ll send you back to the colony for disorderly conduct!” Ilyas tried to explain the situation, but the inspector refused to listen to him, accusing him of disregarding the rules. The accusations continued when the inspector stated that Ilyas had “red eyes” and demanded that he immediately go for an examination. “I will inform the narcology department that you are using drugs again,” the inspector added, grabbing Ilyas by his clothes and trying to pull him outside.
In the course of this confrontation, the inspector tore Ilyas’s T-shirt, and neighbors came out to the noise. Witnesses were outraged by the inspector’s rude behavior, and under the pressure of public outrage, the inspector let Ilyas go and left.
This incident was a heavy blow for Ilyas. Not only was he subjected to public humiliation, but he again faced the threat of being returned to the colony, despite his efforts to comply with the conditions of probation. The relationship with the inspector who was supposed to assist him in the re-socialization process turned into an open confrontation.
Both cases demonstrate the systemic problems faced by former prisoners in Kazakhstan:
– Excess of authority and bad faith of probation inspectors.
– Violation of the rights of former convicts.
– Social stigmatization and pressure.
Discrimination of people with criminal records in Kazakhstan is a problem not only at the level of society but also at the level of state bodies that are supposed to help former prisoners on their way to a normal life. The situations faced by Askar and Ilyas show how poorly organized probation services and abuse by individual staff can jeopardize the resocialization process itself. Urgent reforms of the probation system, improved qualifications of inspectors, and stricter monitoring of the rights of former convicts are urgently needed. Without these measures, discrimination will continue to be a barrier to successful integration into society.
Elena (name changed), a young mother living with HIV, faced discrimination and neglect at a polyclinic after moving to a new neighborhood. With a six-month-old baby who had digestive problems, she urgently needed baby food. However, after contacting the new pediatrician, she was denied it.
At first, the doctor explained the refusal by the lack of food at the moment and offered to come back later. But during the next visit, Elena heard a new refusal: according to the doctor, the nutrition in the polyclinic is limited, and according to the documents from the previous medical facility, she had already received what she was entitled to.
When Elena tried to explain that she was entitled to other amounts of food due to the child’s condition, the doctor reacted with obvious disdain: “I know your case, you should have thought when you were going to give birth with such problems. You have already received your allotted amount. If you don’t have enough, go to the AIDS Center or buy it yourself.”
Elena was shocked by such rude words and blatant discrimination. Realizing that she could not stand aside, she turned to REActors for help. They not only advised her on her rights but also offered to accompany her to the clinic for further action.
Together with the REActor, they approached the management of the medical facility. Elena told her story, and the management expressed indignation at the doctor’s behavior. The pediatrician was summoned for a conversation in the presence of Elena and the REActor. The management reminded the doctor of the legislation concerning protection against discrimination and that such treatment of patients was unacceptable.
As a result, Elena was given baby food in full. The management of the polyclinic apologized and assured that such cases would not happen again.
This story showed Elena and other mothers that it is important to fight for their rights and not to be afraid to report injustice. Her case was an example of how determination and support can help to overcome discrimination in the health care system and achieve respectful treatment.
In modern society, despite the high level of awareness and progress in medicine, people living with HIV still face discrimination. Unfortunately, such cases occur even among neighbors, friends, and colleagues. However, the help of REActors helps people to overcome such difficulties.
Alena (name changed) is a young woman living with her mother. Both of them are women living with HIV, who have been taking the necessary therapy for many years and leading a full life. One day, their neighbor overhears a conversation that mentions the family’s HIV status. Instead of showing support, the neighbor began to insult Alena and her mother, threatening to tell other residents of the house.
Alena was at a loss and did not know how to protect herself and her mother. She turned to REActor for support. He met with Alyona and her mother to talk about the rights of people living with HIV and to discuss possible actions. Together they decided to speak to the neighbor.
During the meeting, the REActor explained to the neighbor in detail that HIV is not transmitted through domestic transmission and reminded her of the laws that protect people with this status from discrimination. He also emphasized that disclosure of others’ HIV status and continued threats could result in legal consequences, including administrative penalties. After the explanatory conversation, the neighbor realized her mistake and promised to stop insulting her and not to spread information about the HIV status of Alyona and her mother.
Alena’s story shows how important the role of REActors is in protecting the rights of people living with HIV. Their help is not only in legal support but also in spreading knowledge that helps to reduce fears and stereotypes in society. People living with HIV have the same rights as everyone else and any discrimination based on HIV status is unacceptable. This case helped not only to protect Alena’s rights but also to bring important knowledge to other people.
In 2024, pressure on the LGBTQIA+ community in Kazakhstan is increasing, leading to new waves of discrimination and restriction of rights. Recent events involving the proposal of discriminatory amendments to legislation and the dissemination of misinformation increase the threat to human rights defenders and activists. At the center of these developments are non-binary individuals and LGBTQIA+ activists facing open hostility and hate speech from some politicians and public figures. Let us consider two significant cases highlighting the complexity and importance of the ongoing struggle for equality and human rights in Kazakhstan.
Proposing discriminatory amendments to legislation
On April 10, 2024, NGO workers and human rights defenders in Kazakhstan learned of a proposal by two deputies to the Majilis from the Amanat party to introduce another discriminatory amendment to the law. In addition to amending Article 174 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code on incitement to hatred, the deputies proposed to add a provision to Article 14 of the Law on Peaceful Assemblies prohibiting protests if their subject matter concerns “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.”
Based on Article 1 of the Marriage and Family Code, the deputies said that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, which makes any form of LGBTQIA+ activism, in their view, unacceptable. Peaceful protests for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, in their view, should be banned, creating a legal basis for further infringement of the rights of this community.
This initiative provoked an immediate reaction from human rights defenders and LGBTQIA+ activists, who began to develop strategies to combat the discriminatory amendments. In a context of heightened political and social tensions, such measures pose significant risks to the peaceful expression of rights and freedom of assembly.
Disinformation and the spreading of hatred on social media
On 15 August 2024, two popular Kazakhstani cisgender male bloggers published a video on their Instagram page in which they spread false information about an event organized by the Queer.kz initiative and the NGO Education Community. The event was dedicated to a lecture on the topic of queer activism and intersectionality. Still, the bloggers in their video called it “agitation” and “propaganda”, trying to discredit its goals and participants.
In addition, bloggers publicly condemned two Kazakh male choreographers who were attacked for their high heels performances. Their actions were characterized as “effeminate,” which only added to the public pressure and misinformation surrounding the event and the queer movement itself in the country. At the time of the appeal, the video had garnered over 89,000 views, exacerbating the potential risks of bullying and threats to the safety of the Education Community and Queer. kz participants, as well as the choreographers themselves.
These actions were a clear example of the use of hate speech and the spread of misinformation, which reinforced stigmatization and led to possible security threats for human rights defenders and activists.
The situation in Kazakhstan for the LGBTQIA+ community is escalating, and the cases described vividly emphasize the extent of public and political pressure. However, active resistance and documentation of such cases are important steps towards equality and the protection of human rights. The LGBTQIA+ community in Kazakhstan faces many challenges in fighting for their rights, but their determination continues to inspire the fight against discrimination.
According to REAct data over 27,000 cases of human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma against key vulnerable communities have been registered in 14 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia since 2019 until 30th of June 2024.. Every second person who uses psychoactive substances has been denied medical services, with one in ten of them being denied in emergency situations. Over 50% of sex workers report physical violence, with every second one reporting sexual violence, and every third suffering from offenses committed by law enforcement agencies. Every member of the LGBTIQ community has faced hate speech at least once, and over 50% have experienced physical violence, with every third being a victim of their own relatives. People living with HIV have encountered discrimination due to their HIV status in medical institutions at least once. Every fifth person has faced the disclosure of their HIV status by medical workers.
Armenia
In 2024, an increase in the number of cases of human rights violations by the police was recorded in Armenia. Since the start of the anti-drug campaign announced in 2023, people from vulnerable groups have periodically reported intimidation and threats, as well as abuse of power, excessive use of force, and unauthorized searches. This is particularly common among sex workers and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
For example, earlier this year, a sex worker and a representative of the LGBTIQ+ community were detained late at night in a park in his city. He was approached by two men who identified themselves as police officers. They searched, demanding to see his pockets, bag, and the last used app on his phone. The law enforcement representatives explained that there were many people using drugs in the park and the detainee, in their opinion, could be one of them. Further, the police read the man’s correspondence in Telegram, subjected him to humiliation, and mockingly ordered him to leave the park and walk outside the city where “people like him” gather.
A client of another national REActor described the case of a friendof his who admitted to drug use to a nurse while undergoing tests before an operation. She immediately informed the relevant authorities and two police officers arrested the man, who had not even had time to leave the building of the medical center. After that, communication with him ceased.
Such cases undermine trust in medical personnel and infringe on the rights of patients. Violation of confidentiality and ethical norms, as well as undue police interference, require immediate attention and resolution at the state level in Armenia. Instead of persecution, people from key populations should be provided with relevant assistance, support, and protection of their rights.
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, special attention should be paid to the assistance provided by REActors in obtaining opioid substitution therapy (OST) and documentation in the absence of residence or registration for members of the community of people who use drugs. Clients are informed about their rights and treatment options depending on their current situation, including possible barriers and ways to overcome them, accompanied to medical facilities, and helped to make appointments. And in the case of legal aid, assistance with specialist advice on the paperwork required to access medical care.
REActors also continue to document cases of denial of access to medical services and HIV-related discrimination. One situation occurred when a client went to a dentist. After taking measurements and making an advance payment, the dentist said the onlay would be ready in a few days. When the client returned to finish what he had started, the dentist refused to do his work. The reason turned out to be the man’s positive HIV status, which he had mentioned at the first appointment. Attempts to return the money were ignored and the client was kicked out of the office. In desperation, the man appealed to the national REActors of Azerbaijan to seek justice and draw attention to the problem of discrimination in medicine.
REActors’ assistance continues in protecting the rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination. A 20-year-old student faced prejudice and discrimination because of his sexual orientation, realized at the age of 15. Fearing for the reaction of his elderly parents, he tried to hide his secret. However, when a classmate learned the truth and threatened to reveal it, the boy turned to a REActor for help. The lawyer to whom the student was referred arranged a meeting with the blackmailer. During the conversation, the lawyer explained the consequences of such behavior and mental abuse, which made the classmate apologize and promise to respect the client’s privacy.
Georgia
Since the beginning of the year, the situation in Georgia remains extremely worrying. The law on “foreign agents,” finally adopted in Georgia on May 28, poses a serious threat to access to treatment and medical and social services. It imposes strict restrictions on the activities of media and public organizations that receive funding from abroad, requiring them to register as “foreign agents”. The law directly affects many NPOs that play a critical role in providing services to key groups in the country and often depend on foreign funding to implement their programs and projects. The introduction of additional bureaucratic hurdles and potential sanctions, such as fines of several thousand dollars, will deter these organizations, reducing their ability to assist:
– Evasion of registration as an organization carrying out the interests of a foreign power or failure to submit the financial declaration stipulated in Article 6 of this Law within the term established by the same article – shall entail a fine of 25,000 GEL ($8,850).
– Failure to fulfill the requirement of Article 4, paragraph 2 of this Law, failure to fulfill the obligation to eliminate the deficiency stipulated in Article 4, paragraph 4 or Article 6, paragraph 1 of this Law or the declaration specified in Article 4, paragraph 1 of this Law. Article 8, paragraph 5 of this Law Failure to fulfill the obligation to complete and submit – shall be punishable by a fine of GEL 10,000 (USD 3,540).
– Continuation of the action provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article within 1 month from the date of imposition of the last administrative fine for the same action – shall entail a fine of GEL 20,000 (USD 7080).
– Failure to provide the person authorized by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia with the information requested by him/her by this Law – shall entail a fine of GEL 5,000 (USD 1,770).
In addition, the regulations requiring registration with the National Agency of Public Registry of the Ministry of Justice create an atmosphere of mistrust and fear, which may lead to a decrease in the number of organizations willing to work in Georgia. This, in turn, will limit access to services, especially in remote and low-income areas where the work of such organizations is vital.
The changes also affected the ability to provide pharmaceuticals in special cases. Previously, patients could receive a five-day supply of medication for long-term home treatment or a seven-day supply for those with severe disabilities or active TB. These exceptional regulations have been abolished. Now, even in the case of travel or ill health, patients may be given only a one-day dose.
Drug policy organizations, health experts, and public associations expressed alarm at these changes, believing that they would not adequately protect the rights of patients participating in the program. In this regard, a public appeal of Georgian NGOs to the Ministry of Health was prepared.
State-level proposals and changes such as these not only restrict civil liberties but also significantly impede critical services that could have irreparable consequences for the health and quality of life of both key groups and the general population in Georgia as a whole.
Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, there are problems related to the violation of the rights of key groups, in particular people living with HIV and viral hepatitis C. Reactors have documented cases of denial of treatment due to lack of mandatory social health insurance (MSHI), despite hepatitis being recognized as a socially significant disease, and medical professionals often disclose patients’ HIV status, violating their confidentiality.
The situation with the LGBTIQ+ community is also alarming, with increased police raids on closed LGBTIQ parties, harassment, and threats against activists. One student, an LGBTIQ+ activist, faced cyberbullying and threats of violence from another student who posted abusive messages under an anonymous Telegram nickname. To protect his rights, he sought help from REACTors, who filed a complaint with the university.
The situation in Kazakhstan requires significant efforts to improve the legal environment and reduce risks for members of key groups.
Kyrgyzstan
On March 14, 2024, the Kyrgyz Republic adopted a new law “On Non-Profit Organizations”, which was signed by the President of the country on April 2, 2024. This law introduced a new concept – “Non-profit organization performing the functions of a foreign representative”. This is an NPO established in the Kyrgyz Republic, which receives funds and other property from foreign states, their state bodies, international and foreign organizations, foreign citizens, stateless persons, or persons authorized by them who receive funds and other property from these sources (except for open joint-stock companies with state participation and their subsidiaries), and which participates, including in the interests of foreign sources, in political activities carried out on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. The law defines the political activities of non-profit organizations to include:
Participation in the organization and holding of public events (meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches, picketing) and public debates, discussions, and speeches.
Activities aimed at obtaining a certain result in elections, referendums, observation of their conduct, formation of election commissions, as well as activities of political parties.
Public appeals to state bodies and local self-government, affecting their activities, including the adoption, amendment, or repeal of laws and regulations.
Dissemination of opinions about the decisions of state bodies and their policies, including the use of modern information technologies.
Formation of socio-political views and beliefs through public opinion polls and sociological research.
Involvement of citizens, including minors, in these activities.
The adoption of the new law had a significant impact on the functioning of REAct in the country. Since the beginning of the year, the work of the system has been suspended for the following reasons:
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Global Fund, and the Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation withdrew from the contract that provided for the maintenance of street lawyers engaged in reporting in the REAct system.
The street lawyers were transferred to non-profit organizations working in the field of HIV prevention, and TB and working with key groups.
The composition of street lawyers was renewed in 2024, but new lawyers have not been trained, and mentors and advocates have not been hired by the Global Fund or UNDP.
Once the new law enters into force, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Justice will develop bylaws that will possibly provide a detailed concept of the law, which will allow the active use of REActs to resume.
Also, the bill coincided with massive police raids targeting sex workers. The changes are linked to the creation of a “vice police” unit in the police department, officially called the department for combating human trafficking and crimes against public morals. Despite the authorities’ claims that the fight is against criminal networks and not sex workers/workers, human rights defenders and health workers note that police actions make it more difficult to track sexually transmitted diseases and ensure the safety of this group. Women complain of forced testing, harassment, and corruption by law enforcement officials, indicating their stigmatization and continued violation of their rights.
Also, since 2024, the team of specialized paralegals in Moldova has increased significantly, with the number of staff growing from 10 to 32. This expansion includes not only specialists providing HIV services but also those working in the field of tuberculosis. All paralegals use the REAct database to document and respond to cases of human rights violations. This improves the monitoring and resolution of legal issues at the community level. Due to the expansion of the paralegal network and new trends in the development of the Legal Cascade* In Moldova, all paralegals have become REActors.
*The Legal Cascade is an algorithm by which paralegals work with clients:
– Initial screening: human rights violations are assessed using the Harm Reduction Implementers’ Reporting System (1S).
– Mediation and sensitization: if a client needs mediation or sensitization about their rights, their case is resolved and documented at the national level in the SIA CNAJGS database.
– Documentation and response: if a rights violation and discrimination has been identified, the case is documented in the REAct database and a direct response to the violation is conducted.
Tajikistan
The situation faced by human rights defenders and some vulnerable communities in Tajikistan is of some concern. Recent developments point to a growing trend of restrictions on civil liberties and discrimination against the LGBTIQ community. The last two years have seen an increase in threats against human rights defenders in Tajikistan. Falsified cases under Articles 238, 239, and 241 of the Criminal Code are used as tools for harassment, resulting in activists being unjustly imprisoned. The use of personal photographs obtained through illegal searches to fabricate cases constitutes a serious violation of the right to privacy and fair process. For example, the most recent openly operating health care provider for the MSM (men who have sex with men) community, the NGO Equal Opportunities, was subjected to inspections, threats, and attacks on its office. Despite filing police reports, attempts at legal defense, and support from international donors, the organization’s activities were halted by a court ruling because: “the organization promotes sex services for men, which contradicts the moral norms of the country.”
Fear of discrimination and harassment leads MSM and trans community members to hesitate to seek necessary services, including HIV testing and prevention. In addition, the reluctance of lawyers to represent LGBTIQ individuals in criminal cases further exacerbates their vulnerability and denies them access to justice.
As a result, measures were proposed to improve the situation, including advocacy to improve access of women from vulnerable groups to shelters after cases of domestic violence and to organize low-threshold service centers in NGOs to reduce stigma and discrimination. It was also recommended to conduct information campaigns, trainings, and working meetings for employees of public services and NGOs involved in the prevention and identification of cases of violence. A Memo for employees of social service centers assisting victims of domestic violence and people in difficult life situations was developed. This document was approved at the level of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan and by the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance for application for social service centers.
National REActors continue to work actively to help vulnerable groups of the population. In one case, a 46-year-old man living with HIV, a member of the community of people who use drugs, approached the REActors. His family had isolated him for fear of infection. The man asked to speak to his family to dispel myths about HIV and explain the importance of treatment. The REActor provided information about therapy and asked the family to support the man. As a result, their attitudes changed and the client started taking ART (as he also had preconceptions about treatment before).
A large number of reported cases concerned violations of the rights of people from vulnerable groups by medical workers of state institutions. In most cases, the violation of rights was accompanied by stigma and discrimination because of belonging to a risk group.
In one situation, a client went to a vascular surgeon who referred her for an ultrasound of her lower extremities. At the hospital, the nurse refused to do the ultrasound, citing the HIV diagnosis on the referral. The doctor rudely confirmed this, stating that healthcare providers should know who they are working with. The client contacted the REActor, where she was explained her rights, offered assistance in writing a complaint, and organized an escort to the Regional Hospital, where she received the necessary treatment.
Both in 2023 and 2024 there are cases of obstetric violence against women living with HIV. For example, a client went to a gynecologist because of lower abdominal pain and learned about her positive HIV status in an incorrect form. The doctor strongly recommended terminating the pregnancy, claiming that the child would be born sick. The stress caused her to bleed, and the hospital where she was taken hinted at a bribe. After finding REActors, she received support from a social worker, and HIV counseling, was registered, and received ART therapy. She was also offered the help of a psychologist and a lawyer and continues to receive psychological counseling and therapy.
Due to discriminatory attitudes, people from vulnerable groups lose the opportunity to timely detect serious life-threatening diseases. In particular, one client complained about an oncologist who refused to provide medical services because of her HIV-positive status, advising her to go to an AIDS center. The REActor discussed the situation with the deputy chief physician, who agreed with the violation and had a discussion with the oncologist. The client was booked for a follow-up appointment, where she received the necessary examination and treatment.
The issue of reducing the level of stigma and discrimination among the police towards people from vulnerable groups remains relevant (in terms of the number of recorded cases of rights violations, it is the representatives of law enforcement agencies who are next to medical personnel). In 2024, situations are recorded when patients of substitution maintenance therapy programs are stopped and deprived of medications, even in the presence of all supporting documents and certificates of SMT program participants.
Uzbekistan
According to the data registered in the REAct database, in 2024, Uzbekistan recorded serious problems related to violations of the rights of people living with HIV and key populations. The collected cases indicate that the most frequent violations come from representatives of state structures, family members, medical institutions, and the workplace.
Thus, state bodies that should ensure support and protection of the rights of PLHIV and key groups, often demonstrate discriminatory behavior. This is expressed in the form of denial of social assistance, stigmatization, and violation of confidentiality. Community members often find themselves in difficult life situations without the necessary support.
However, significant positive steps at the highest levels of government should be noted: recent changes in Uzbekistan’s labor legislation open new opportunities for people living with HIV. Thanks to the efforts of REAct partners and the political will of the authorities, the list of professions prohibited for people living with HIV has been revised. The order of the Ministry of Health, which came into force on February 19, 2024, will allow many to support themselves and their families, supporting financial independence and social development.
Balkan region
Albania
In 2024, Albania’s national REActors made significant progress in their efforts to protect and support the human rights of key populations. An operational plan to register cases in the REAct system was successfully implemented and two separate consultants were appointed to manage the process. Round tables were held for NGOs and representatives of key groups to discuss challenges in implementing human rights protection measures. Four strategic cases were recorded, three of which were resolved positively and one is still pending.
Nevertheless, some challenges remain. Strong stigmatization continues to prevent people from reporting human rights violations, and fear of retaliation prevents many from reporting to the police. Insufficient funding and human resources limit the capacity to support reported cases. Lack of trust in institutions also hinders reporting and cooperation.
Key findings of the study point to the ongoing need for advocacy and support for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Unauthorized disclosure of HIV status by medical personnel remains an acute problem, along with discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which affects LGBTIQ+ people in a variety of ways, including termination of disability payments by social state institutions, loss of employment due to disclosure of HIV status, and denial of access to health services.
The immediate plans of Albania’s national REActors include developing a work plan with clear goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes, and collaborating with NGOs and affected people to obtain quality information. Also, facilitating discussions on human rights issues with politicians and community leaders, advocacy for policy change, and building alliances with human rights organizations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2023, the President of Republika Srpska (part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) announced the imminent adoption of a law on foreign agents. It could oblige all local NGOs receiving foreign funding to declare their financial transactions and activities, following the Russian and Georgian models. Attempts to adopt such a law had been made since 2015, but under public pressure and external factors, the authorities abandoned these plans. On May 28, it became known that the government still withdrew the bill on “foreign agents” from Parliament this time as well. The decision was announced by the Minister of Justice and deputy Prime Minister, but he did not give the reason. And although this issue has been closed, it should be understood that it may not last long. The adoption of such a law can seriously affect the programs of service providers and human rights organizations, as it significantly complicates their work, requiring additional reports and creating an atmosphere of distrust. This could lead to a reduction in foreign funding and services, and therefore negatively affect support for vulnerable groups, depriving them of those most in need.
In 2023 and early 2024, REActors in Montenegro often faced client complaints related to the shortage of medical staff and the inability of the health system to meet the needs of many people from vulnerable communities. A critical issue was the lack of ART, leaving patients without life-saving treatment.
For example, earlier this year, REActors received a complaint from a man about a significant delay in receiving needed treatment despite following protocol for pre-ordering therapy. The client was deprived of ART for more than ten days, revealing serious deficiencies in the medical system. REActors responded by informing him of his rights, investigating the reasons for the delay, and advising the client to make a formal complaint to the Ombudsman. This incident highlighted the need for strict adherence to medical protocols and effective communication within the health system.
Another major issue was the challenges associated with the Opioid Substitution Therapy program (OST). Earlier in the year, another client reported insufficient psychological counseling within the OST program. The man’s main complaints related to infrequent and brief sessions with the psychologist, as well as the distracting environment in the crowded waiting room. In response, REActors contacted the mental health clinic to address these concerns and offered the client access to their counseling center, providing a better environment for psychological support.
REActors in Montenegro strive to create a more favorable environment for people to seek help and solve their problems, as many of the clients are unaware of their rights and do not know how to act in situations where their rights are violated. The fear of stigmatization associated with discussing personal problems also remains a significant barrier to seeking help. Reactors are focused on finding effective strategies to promote the rights documentation system itself and to expand their services to provide timely and adequate support to community members.
Northern Macedonia
In 2024, REActors’ analysis revealed alarming trends of discrimination and human rights violations, particularly against people living with HIV (PLHIV). Recorded referrals highlight systemic problems in health facilities where PLHIV face insurmountable barriers, such as inappropriate disclosure of their HIV status and denial of necessary health services. This systemic discrimination often forces PLHIV to go to separate health facilities, maintaining stigma and preventing them from receiving comprehensive health care.
To address these challenges, REActors in Northern Macedonia have developed comprehensive initiatives. These include educating healthcare providers through training, raising public awareness to combat stigma and misconceptions about HIV, and providing legal support to effectively combat discriminatory practices. Through advocacy for systemic change and strengthening the rights of PLHIV, REActors seek to create a more equitable healthcare environment where all people are treated with dignity and impartiality, regardless of their HIV status.
Serbia
Significant progress has been made in Serbia over the past three years. Three national REActors have started work and the REAct system has been presented at two national HIV conferences. A successful lawsuit was filed against two individuals accused of disclosing personal and family information, resulting in the completion of the trial and two verdicts. Notably, 28% of cases were favorably resolved, 17% were pending, and there were two success stories and two strategic cases. A total of 46 cases were disposed of, with 11 in 2022, 24 in 2023 and 11 in 2024.
Despite these achievements, some challenges remain. Clients who report rights violations often need urgent support, including legal and psychological assistance, but there are insufficient financial resources to provide these services. In addition, motivating people to report human rights violations remains a challenge, as well as combating discrimination by the institutions that are supposed to protect citizens.
Key findings show that the highest number of reported human rights violations are related to HIV status and LGBTIQ+ issues, with the number of violations of LGBTIQ+ rights increasing. In addition, there is a notable inconsistency in Serbian laws, such as anti-discrimination and criminal laws. Many reported cases involve psychological violence, hate speech, threats, and harassment. Another acute problem is the increase in violence against women and femicide; however, women rarely seek help.
In the future, national REActors plan to strengthen advocacy work among key populations through the media and social networks, strengthen cooperation with organizations that can provide much-needed legal and psychological support, organize training on how to recognize human rights violations and how to protect against them and advocate for increased support for key populations.
The LGBTQIA+ community in Kazakhstan is going through a difficult and tense period. Late last year, a local NGO published a social video on Instagram featuring queer couples, which attracted public attention, garnering over 6,400 views. The video resonated widely, receiving both positive feedback and negative comments, many of which contained hate speech.
In May 2024, a petition entitled “We are against open and hidden propaganda of LGBT in the Republic of Kazakhstan!” appeared on the portal “E-Petition.kz”. The initiative was authored by the anti-gender group “Kazakhstan Union of Parents”, which previously actively opposed vaccination during the pandemic, as well as the law on domestic violence and tougher punishment for bullying. The petition gathered 50,000 signatures in a short period – less than two weeks – the required number for it to be considered by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The rapid mobilization of signatures raised questions, as according to eyewitness reports and screenshots, civil servants and quasi-government employees were coerced into signing the petition along with another initiative to ban gambling among officials. One queer activist noted that the surge in signature-gathering activity took place during working hours, which heightened suspicions.
After the petition was accepted for review, a working group began to form to discuss its implications. Many LGBTQIA+ activists, human rights defenders, and lawyers applied to join the group. However, according to the authorities, due to the limited submission deadline – only 10 days – and technical reasons, a significant number of applicants were not selected. As a result, of the 51 people included in the working group, more than 40 supported the adoption of the petition, while only 7 opposed it.
The first meeting of the working group was held on June 21, and the process continued through early August. At these meetings, supporters of the petition actively used hate speech and discriminatory language. Even though the petition violated several international conventions on civil and political rights, the majority of the group’s participants were in favor of its adoption.
Against this backdrop, the LGBTQIA+ community and human rights defenders mobilized. Organizations (including those with national REActors) actively assisted victims by engaging the media and international partners, as well as providing legal advice on how to file complaints and challenge the petition through administrative procedures. Although most members of the working group supported the discriminatory measures, activists and human rights defenders united to form a strong front of opposition.
The petition drew attention to the problem of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in Kazakhstan, becoming an important catalyst for further struggle for their rights. This story demonstrates how the unity and determination of activists can help to counter the tide of discrimination and stand up for the rights of people. While the final results of the fight are not yet known, one thing is clear – the LGBTQIA+ community is not alone, and it has strong support.
Gularus (name changed), a 40-year-old woman from Tajikistan living with HIV, faced discrimination and abuse from her family. An unemployed, divorced mother of three, she was forced to live with her parents and the families of her younger brothers. However, instead of support, she endured daily humiliation and violence that became an integral part of her life.
Gularus’ family, upon learning of her HIV status, began to insult and humiliate her systematically. They called her “AIDS patient” and called her contagious. Due to the fear of the disease and lack of knowledge about HIV, her family forbade her to have contact with her children, who in turn were not even allowed to enter her room. In addition, strict rules were imposed in the house: Gularus could not sit at the common table with the rest of the family, had to use separate dishes, and was not allowed access to the common bathroom.
In addition to discrimination, the woman was a victim of physical violence. When she asked her younger brother to use an iron, he beat her. An additional source of pressure came from her brother’s wife, who insisted on evicting Gularus and her children.
Despite the constant humiliation and violence, the woman tolerated it for the sake of her children, who were in the same environment. However, she did not know how to protect her rights and improve her family situation, so she sought help from REActors.
The REActors provided Gularus with comprehensive support. Firstly, they provided her with psycho-emotional support, which enabled her to gain the inner strength to fight for her rights. They also explained her rights as a woman living with HIV and how she could protect herself from discrimination. Gularus was invited to the organization’s office, where she received consultations with a coordinator, a psychologist, and a lawyer. The specialists also suggested that she participate in a support group where she could communicate with other people living with HIV and receive useful advice and moral support.
Although Gularus had the option of filing a report with law enforcement, she chose not to do so for fear of escalating conflict within her family. Instead, she agreed to a mediation meeting with the family with the participation of the REActorand her family members. During this meeting, the family was provided with accurate information about HIV, its treatment, and the concept of “H=H” (Undetectable = Untransmissible). This principle states that a person with an undetectable viral load taking antiretroviral therapy cannot transmit the virus to others. It was emphasized that prejudice towards people living with HIV was based on ignorance, and the family had to realize that their actions not only violated the rights of Gularus but could have legal consequences.
Special attention was paid to the need for emotional and moral support from the family. The speakers also explained that illegal disclosure of HIV status and violation of the rights of people living with HIV are punishable by law. At the end of the meeting, Gularus was given the contact information of the Women and Family Committee hotline for further support and assistance.
Although Gularus’ situation remained difficult, the first step towards resolution had been taken: her family received accurate information about HIV and began to realize the importance of changing attitudes.
12-13 June, 2024, Sarajevo hosted an important meeting of REActors from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, and Serbian, within the framework of the SOS 2.0 Regional Program 2022-2024, focusing on the sustainability of the HIV response in these five countries of South Eastern Europe. The event, organized by the South Eastern Europe Regional TB and HIV Community Network (SEE RCN)together with the Alliance for Public Health, brought together 40 participants, including national REActors and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) experts.
On the first day of the meeting, participants discussed the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the event. The REAct section provided an overview of the program’s achievements and discussed the challenges faced by the teams between 2022 and 2024. Each of the five countries presented their challenges and problem areas, followed by recommendations for improving the program at the national level. Participants also brainstormed on how to promote REAct and increase client outreach, discussed strategic cases and advocacy methods, and well as how to achieve sustainability of the REAct program in the Southeast Europe region.
At the same time, another section discussed the current situation with PrEP implementation in five countries of the region. The experience and achievements of PrEP programs over the last two years, clinical aspects of pre-exposure prophylaxis use, and the development and discussion of PrEP protocols were reviewed.
The second day of the meeting focused on discussing the progress, challenges, and plans for REAct and PrEP implementation. Representatives from each country shared their successes and challenges and provided recommendations for improvement. Fast Track Cities initiative, ARV price reduction, self-testing and decentralized testing, and social contract mechanisms were also touched upon. Each of these topics was discussed taking into account progress, challenges, and plans, with mandatory feedback from country representatives and the development of recommendations.
Victoria Kalyniuk, REAct Regional Coordinator, participated in this meeting and emphasized the importance of using REAct to improve the situation with gender barriers in the Balkans: “The country presentations and our discussions demonstrated that the use of REAct has a huge potential to overcome gender barriers in access to services for key groups. Thus, the research conducted by theEurasian Women’s Network on AIDS shows how difficult the situation remains in the region of South Eastern Europe and how important it is to implement REAct in new areas to improve this situation and ensure equal access to necessary services for all”.
The meeting concluded with final discussions and identification of the next steps. The event was an important step towards strengthening the sustainability and effectiveness of the HIV response in the South Eastern Europe region, providing participants with an opportunity to share experiences, discuss current challenges, and develop strategies for further improvements.
In the late hours of the night, Elira (name changed), a transgender girl, was walking through the area N in her city. It was a time when the streets were quiet, and the usual hustle and bustle of the city had died down. As she walked, an unknown man noticed her and approached.
Initially, the perpetrator sought sexual favors from Elira. When she refused, the situation quickly escalated. The man’s demeanor changed, and he began to threaten and intimidate her. His words and actions were so severe that Elira was left in a terrible emotional state, visibly shaken and distressed.
Recognizing the seriousness of the incident, Elira reached out for help, and her case was promptly taken up by the REActors. The incident details were meticulously documented. The case is currently being resolved, with the REActors working diligently to ensure that Elira receives the justice and support she deserves.
This incident highlights the dangers and emotional trauma that LGBTIQ+ individuals, like Elira, can face simply for being themselves. It underscores the urgent need for greater protection, support, and awareness to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities in our society.
Aleksandar (name changed), from North Macedonia, who is living with HIV and has an undetectable viral load due to antiretroviral therapy (ART), was referred to a gastroenterohepatology clinic because of long-standing gastritis problems.
During the initial consultation, the gastroenterologist took Aleksandar’s medical history and determined that a colonoscopy was necessary to investigate his gastritis issues further. However, when Aleksandar informed the doctor about his ART regimen and undetectable viral load, the doctor reconsidered and decided to prescribe oral medication instead. The doctor suggested that it would be better to attempt to resolve the problem with tablets first. He advised Aleksandar that if the tablet therapy did not help within a month, then a colonoscopy would be required. The doctor pointed out that a colonoscopy could not be performed at their clinic because of Aleksandar’s HIV status. Instead, he recommended that the procedure should be done at the Infectious Disease Clinic, citing that such interventions had been performed there in the past.
After a month of tablet therapy, Aleksandar’s symptoms persisted. He was informed that the Infectious Disease Clinic no longer performed colonoscopies. Faced with this situation, Aleksandar decided to undergo a colonoscopy at a private health facility without disclosing his HIV status.
At the begining of the year, REActors received a complaint from Luka (name changed) regarding the insufficient psychological counseling provided in the OST program. Luka’s primary concerns were the infrequent and brief sessions with the psychologist, along with the distracting environment in the overcrowded waiting area. He believed these conditions detracted from the quality of care he was entitled to.
Following up on Luka’s complaint, REActors’ team collaborated with the psychiatric clinic to evaluate the situation. The clinic’s psychiatric staff acknowledged the operational difficulties, noting the challenge of serving a large client base while ensuring personalized psychological support.
To address this issue, REActors offered Luka access to their counseling center, associated with the day center forpeople, who use psychoactive substances. This solution ensures that Luka receives the necessary psychological support in a more conducive environment, coordinated with the psychiatric clinic, thereby providing a tailored approach to meet his needs within REActors’ service framework.
Lyubov (name changed) is a woman living with HIV who used to inject drugs in the past. She is in a civil marriage with a man who is also HIV-positive and has a history of substance use. Both are patients of the OST program. On their way home from the drop-in center, where they had received self-administered medication, the couple was stopped by police officers. They began to humiliate them, treat them rudely, pick their pockets, and search them without any reason.
Although the clients informed the police that they were taking OST and showed all the necessary documents, no one listened to them, and the couple was taken to the police station. The woman called the organization. Upon hearing about such illegal actions of the police, the REActor and a social worker of the organization came to the defense of the couple. They contacted the police by phone with the doctor who had prescribed the drugs. The doctor explained that everything was legal and that the patients had no problems with taking the drugs. After that, the couple was released.
After coming to the organization with words of gratitude, the client refused to seek legal assistance because she did not believe that the police officers would be punished. She was also offered counseling by the organization’s psychologist and group training to restore her psycho-emotional state.
