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ECOM: Invisible Voices: Regional report on violations of the right to health of LGBT people in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2022

Partners' publication

This regional report on violations of the right to health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT people) in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region in 2022 was developed based on the results of a consolidated analysis of data on rights violations in 8 countries of the region: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Since 2017, the Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity (ECOM) has been monitoring violations of human rights, including the right to health, in the EECA region. The main tool for such monitoring is the documentation of cases in accordance with a single approved form. An analysis of the collected cases of violations of the right to health makes it possible to identify the barriers faced by LGBT people in the EECA region and in individual countries.

The objectives of this analysis are to:

  • identify the nature of human rights violations against LGBT people in the EECA region;
  • identify the root causes of violations and the impact of legislation and law enforcement practices in the EECA region;
  • provide recommendations for removing barriers, and further use such recommendations to advocate for the right to health of LGBT people in the EECA region.

Also read:

Criminal proceedings of the case on trans* person’s beating continue in Armenia

Defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ activists in Kazakhstan: Danara’s story

Categories
Brochures Reports Useful materials

ECOM: National report on violations of the rights of gay men, other MSM and trans* people in Uzbekistan

Partners' publication

The report was compiled based on the protocol of the National report on violations of the rights of gay men, other MSM and trans* people, in particular the right to health. The basis for the national report is systematized information on cases of violations of the right to health (cases documented during the year) in Uzbekistan, collected using tools provided by ЕCОМ and partner initiatives, as well as a brief analysis of the legal environment.

Several research methods were used as part of monitoring:

  • Analysis of documented cases from the REAct database;
  • Prepared appeals to paralegals;
  • Analysis of thematic materials from open sources.

Goal of information collection: to identify cases of violations of the human rights, in particular the right to health, of gay, bisexual and other MSM, and trans* people.

As a result of the analysis, the main grounds for violations and discrimination were identified, and quantitative data was obtained. Conclusions and recommendations were developed based on this data.

Also read:

Client Incident: Wrongful Disclosure of Medical Information in Uzbekistan

Survival Story: How an organization helped a woman overcome her HIV diagnosis and start a new life

Statistics on rights violations in Uzbekistan for the first half of 2023
Categories
Brochures Reports Useful materials

ECOM: National report on violations of the rights of gay men, other MSM, and trans* people in Armenia

Partners' publication

The report was compiled based on the protocol of the National report on violations of the rights of gay men, other MSM and trans* people, in particular the right to health. The basis for the national report is systematized information on cases of violations of the right to health (cases documented during the year) in Armenia, collected using tools provided by ЕCОМ and partner initiatives, as well as a brief analysis of the legal environment.

Several research methods were used as part of monitoring:

  • Analysis of documented cases from the REAct database;
  • Prepared appeals to paralegals;
  • Analysis of thematic materials from open sources.

Goal of information collection: to identify cases of violations of the human rights, in particular the right to health, of gay, bisexual and other MSM, and trans* people.

As a result of the analysis, the main grounds for violations and discrimination were identified, and quantitative data was obtained. Conclusions and recommendations were developed based on this data.

Also read:

Criminal proceedings of the case on trans* person’s beating continue in Armenia

Guiding Change: The Role of REActors in Supporting and Protecting LGBTQ People in Armenia

Statistics on rights violations in Armenia for the first half of 2023
Categories
Response stories

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Photo: freepik.com

A pregnant patient of 18 years of age, 33 weeks pregnant, was registered at the Medical Center of the XX district of the XX village. Roxana (name changed) has been registered with a psychiatrist since childhood, and there is a document confirming her incapacity. The medical staff of the district where the girl is registered conducted examinations, including markers for HIV infection. However, after receiving information about the positive result, the personnel who were involved in the diagnosis of the first HIV test could not keep the confidentiality of the patient’s result, and the information spread among the villagers.

A social worker from the Positive Initiative NGO traveled to the village to accompany the patient to the city to give and receive the final result. The health center requested assistance in accompanying Roxana from the organization, as the NGO is engaged in psychosocial support of people with increased risk of infection, as well as people living with HIV.

Upon arrival, the social worker of Positive Initiative received information from the nurse of XX village that the pregnant woman was not currently present at her place of residence. The nurse took a social assistant from the village administration with her and started searching for her. They later found her in an abandoned house at the edge of the village. The social assistant questioned the girl about what had happened. The pregnant woman said that the day before she had met a relative in the village, who told her that she had HIV infection and her baby would be taken away from her. The girl was frightened and hid, which is natural for her mental state. Also, the owner of the house where the pregnant woman was living at the time told the Positive Initiative staff member that if the girl had AIDS, she was against her living in the house. That same day, a relative of the pregnant woman told paralegal that the previous evening, residents had discussed that the girl had AIDS at the village store. The final diagnosis had not yet been confirmed at that time.

At this point, the girl gave birth and was found temporary accommodation at Misiunea Socială Diaconia a Mitropoliei Basarabiei, where she will be fully cared for for a year and made sure that she takes ART and gives the baby everything it needs.

As a result, a complaint was sent to the Equality Council of the Republic of Moldova about the disclosure of confidential data related to the person’s health condition. A meeting was organized with the head of the village, social assistant and family doctor, where the beneficiary is registered. At the meeting, the issue of violation of her rights was raised and the consequences of such actions were communicated to civil servants. A response to the request submitted to the Equality Council remains pending.

Also read:

Protecting the rights of transgender women in Tajikistan

Armenia: a long way to restore the rights of the victim

Categories
Response stories

Tajikistan: Overcoming stigma and restoring family relationships

Photo: freepik.com

Vasfiya (name changed) came to REActor for help. She was 38 years old and living with her husband, both of whom are PLHIV. She found out about the paralegal through an infectious disease doctor who provided contact information. The woman told her story: she had been living with her husband for only 6 months and this was her second marriage. It turned out that her husband, too, had known about his status since 2011, but had not started taking antiviral medication for fear of being judged.

The couple’s lives changed when the husband was sent to prison in 2012, and it wasn’t until 2018, after his condition worsened, that he began treatment. In 2022, he was released and met his wife at the AIDS Center. Since then they got married and for six months they have been living in his parents’ house, where unfortunately there are constant scandals, humiliation and insults.

Vasfiya said that during her husband’s absence, his parents died and his sister registered the house in her name. However, the husband is still registered there and has the right to inherit. His sister lives in the house and constantly stigmatizes, insults and humiliates them. She tells them that they are both drug addicts and PLHIV, that he brought home an equally “wife with AIDS”. The woman does this on purpose, saying her insults loudly in the yard for all the neighbors to hear.

Vasfiya suggested that her husband contact the district police officer, but he was unwilling to pursue this option. They turned to a REActor in the hope of finding a peaceful solution to the problem.

The paralegal took up the cause and began to take action. First, she invited the woman and her husband to a counseling session to discuss all possible solutions. A series of meetings were held, during which they were given a plan of action.

The first step was to make a written statement in which they described all the insults and humiliations committed by their relative. The REActor helped them to formulate the statement correctly so that it would be as informative and effective as possible. It was then submitted to the local police department.

At the same time, the REActor recommended that they contact the AIDS Center, which had psychological support and counseling specialists. They could provide assistance with stress management and advice on how to resolve the conflict peacefully.

The next step was to engage with the husband’s sister. The paralegal decided to hold a mediation meeting to try to resolve the conflict peacefully. In this meeting, she acted as a mediator between the couple and the relative to establish a dialog and help them find a compromise solution.

During the mediation meeting, discussed all the grievances, concerns and frustrations of each party. The facilitator helped them to express their emotions and empathize with each other. Through this meeting, it became clear that the root cause of the conflict was stigmatization and misunderstanding. The husband’s sister was not sufficiently informed about HIV/AIDS and her fear and aggression were based on lack of awareness.

The paralegal provided them with educational materials about HIV/AIDS and shared success stories and examples of overcoming stigma. As a result of this meeting, all parties expressed their willingness to change their attitudes and start cooperating.

Gradually, the husband’s sister became more tolerant and understanding. She stopped stigmatizing and humiliating the client and her husband. Together they worked on realizing and overcoming stereotypes related to HIV/AIDS.

After a while, family relations began to improve. Vasfiya said that her relative began to show more sympathy and even helped them in domestic issues. She stopped talking about insults and began to interact with them in a more friendly and respectful manner.

This success story emphasizes the importance of seeking support and not saying no during difficult times. By working with professionals, it was possible to overcome stigma and make a positive difference in the lives of clients.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Criminal proceedings of the case on trans* person’s beating continue in Armenia

Photo: freepik.com

On August 18, 2022, H.A. had been walking in one of the streets of Vanadzor city, when two strangers approached her. The strangers immediately attacked H.A. and beat her hitting on different parts of her body. Then, they took out a knife, held it at H.A. and threatened her to leave the city as she’s a trans* woman and it’s a shame for them to have her in their city. They also threatened to kill the person if she didn’t leave. H.A. called the police. The police arrived at the scene and took everybody to the police department. However, the police materials don’t contain the data of the offenders. During reporting about the case at the police station, the police officers didn’t allow the victim to make calls or mention about her injuries in her report.  

By the decision of August 22, 2022, of A. A. Vermishyan, first counsellor, investigator of the Lori regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, the case of beating H.A. at location called Lcher in the night of June 5 and morning of June 6, 2022 and the case of August 18th beating were united. 

According to the decision of August 27, 2022, of A.G. Tsakhkloryan, investigator of the Lori regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, H.A. was recognized as a victim. 

H.A. applied to NGNGO a month after the incident. NGNGO provided the applicant with assistance, and compiled a complaint against the human rights violation committed by police officers during taking the report from the victim. H.A. was provided with a referral for forensic examination. 

Since January 2023 New Generation NGO attorney A. Zalyan took up the case.  

In 2023, the cases united by the decision of August 22, 2022, were again separated, and are examined within different proceedings. 

The preliminary investigations of the cases continue. 

New Generation NGO will provide additional information about the further progress of the cases. 

Original Source

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Progress in Addressing Discrimination and Promoting HIV Awareness in North Macedonia

Categories
Response stories

Fighting for rights and justice in Armenia: a story in a hostel

Photo: freepik.com

In the summer, MA (name changed) came to the city for a week for work. To save money, he rented a bunk bed in a hostel in District XX. According to MA, he chose this particular hostel because all the people there are foreigners and only the administrator is Armenian. At the time of check-in, the client paid the full amount for the week. The man liked the atmosphere among the hostel residents, there were mostly young people from India and Iran. In the evening, everyone consumed alcoholic beverages together and got to know each other, and MA decided to take a shower before going to bed. The shower room was shared and when he went in there was an Iranian man about 26 years old. The Iranian explained by gestures that he wanted to have sex and MA agreed. After having sex in the shower room, the client went to sleep, early in the morning he left the hostel for his business.

In the evening when he returned to the hostel, the receptionist told the man to pack his belongings immediately and leave the hostel. When MA asked what happened, the receptionist said that he had seen everything during the night and that such an infectious gay (in foul language) could not stay there anymore and spoil the reputation. MA realized there was no point in arguing, and asked the admin for a refund for 6 days while he packed his stuff. He abruptly refused and started berating MA again because of his orientation and age (the client is over 50). MA packed his things, left the hostel, and called the REActor. He told the client not to go anywhere and to wait for him outside the hostel. After about 20 minutes, the paralegal was there. Also, he checked the establishment on the Internet but found no information about it at all.

He and the client entered the hostel, the paralegal introduced himself as a human rights defender and that he and MA were going to go to the police and write a report against the administrator. The latter replied that they could go. Then REActor added that he had googled the name of the hostel and found no information and that he would write in the statement that the hostel should be checked by the tax service. The administrator was confused and offered to sit down while he called the owner. After 5 minutes he came back with a phone and told the REActor that the host wanted to talk to him. The paralegal explained the situation, that they were going to go to the police to write a statement for defamation, for discrimination, for refusing to return the money for unlived days, to make the hostel pass the tax audit, because when MA paid for a week, the administrator did not give him a check, and added that there would be a scandal on social networks. The host apologized, said there was a misunderstanding, that MA was free to live there, and as compensation offered to include breakfast for MA on the other 6 days. REactor and MA discussed the offer and he agreed. On leaving, the paralegal told the administrator that if he behaved any further inappropriately in any way, he would be back, but with police officers. During the night, the MA sent a text message saying he was fine.

The next day in the evening he called and said that in the morning the administrator was very polite, but in the evening when MA returned to the hostel another administrator was working there and it turned out that the previous one had been fired.

Also read:

Progress in Addressing Discrimination and Promoting HIV Awareness in North Macedonia

Armenia: help in fighting blackmail

Categories
Response stories

Progress in Addressing Discrimination and Promoting HIV Awareness in North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, significant strides have been made in addressing cases of discrimination and promoting HIV awareness. This update highlights some noteworthy developments in this regard.

Resolution of Discriminatory Practices

One notable case from the previous year involved the mandatory HIV testing of foreign students by a public university in the Republic of North Macedonia. The Association «Stronger Together» took proactive steps by submitting a petition to the Commission for Prevention of and Protection against Discrimination, citing violations of the Anti-Discrimination Law.  This case has been successfully resolved in a positive manner: the university responded by revising its discriminatory requirements for foreign students, ensuring fair and equal treatment.

Collaboration with the Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Further progress was achieved through collaboration. On June 6th, the Association «Stronger Together» conducted its inaugural workshop in partnership with the Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The workshop aimed to educate medical professionals about HIV prevention and patients’ rights. This initiative was made possible due to the positive resolution of a previous case and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between «Stronger Together» and the Clinic.

These developments signify North Macedonia’s commitment to combating discrimination and enhancing awareness about HIV within the country. Such collaborative efforts and the resolution of discriminatory cases serve as important steps towards a more inclusive and informed society.

As North Macedonia continues its journey towards promoting equality and public health, it is evident that positive changes are taking place, thanks to the collective efforts of organizations like the Association «Stronger Together» and their partners.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Defeating bureaucracy in Uzbekistan: a story in access to ART

Photo: freepik.com

There are times in everyone’s life when you face unforeseen circumstances and difficulties that require perseverance and decisive action. The story of Barfina (name changed), who found herself in a situation where she was denied access to the life-saving drug ART (antiretroviral therapy), was an exceptional example of fighting for her right to health.

The client had to travel to Region N for several months to care for her mother. She took care to register at her new place of residence but unfortunately did not have time to receive ART before she left. Upon returning to her place of registration, she went to a specialized center to receive the drug, hoping for a quick solution to her problem. However, Barfina faced rejection, arguing that the drug was not available under the new registration. It would seem that trouble awaited her.

However, the client did not give up. She was advised to consult a lawyer, and this turned out to be a key step in her struggle. With the help of professional legal support, she began to act according to all the rules of the law. The lawyer contacted the local Civil Registry Center (CRC) and the doctor responsible for prescribing ART. Despite legal arguments, the regional doctor refused to provide the drug, violating the patient’s rights.

Barfina’s life depended on this medicine and she decided to go all the way. Together with a lawyer, they went to the deputy chief physician of the local hospital. There, a complaint was written about the behavior of the infectious disease specialist who refused to prescribe the medicine. Under the pressure of public attention and justified complaints, the deputy chief physician finally gave in and prescribed ART to the client for two months. But it is worth noting that the infectious disease doctor has still not admitted his guilt and refused to apologize for his actions.

This client’s story is an example of how perseverance and knowledge of one’s rights can defeat even the most complex bureaucratic system. For many people, ART is a life-saving medicine and no barriers should prevent them from receiving it. This case emphasizes the importance of fighting for one’s rights and gives hope that even in the most difficult situations, justice can be achieved.

Original Source (in Russian)

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ activists in Kazakhstan: Danara’s story

The story of Danara (name changed), a 25-year-old queer woman and LGBT activist, was a powerful example of the struggle for rights and non-discrimination in the workplace. The incident highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for all, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Situation:

Danara had been working in theatre for several years and feared autism as she openly expressed her sexual orientation on social media, where she shared photos of her relationships and attended rallies.

The day everything changed while packing for work, Danara received a message from a colleague who asked if she had seen the material, he had sent to the theatre’s general chat room, which consisted of about 50-100 employees of various positions.

When asked by Danara what the material was, the colleague forwarded the messages to her, complete with photos taken from her personal social media page that revealed her sexual orientation. The colleague wrote a tirade accusing her of rude and aggressive behavior at work and describing her as an “LGBT activist”, claiming that she promoted lesbian values and painted female genitals even in the props of a theatre production she was managing.

Moreover, the colleague gave an ultimatum to his colleagues: either Danara leaves the theatre or he refuses to cross her threshold by referring to her as an “LGBT activist”.

Actions and REAction:

Danara came to work, and her colleagues became supportive. They expressed their outrage at the abuser’s unethical behavior and referred to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and articles relating to freedom of speech. They offered her the assistance of a lawyer and publicly noted the inadmissibility of discrimination.

The abuser was quickly removed from the work chat room and dismissed from her job for breach of corporate ethics and unacceptable discrimination in the workplace.

Psychological support was provided to support Danara and human rights counselling was provided.

Conclusion:

Danara’s story is an example of the importance of protecting rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation. Discrimination and outings in the workplace should not be tolerated. This case also emphasizes the importance of publicly supporting and fighting for the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Kazakhstan and globally.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

In our society, there is an obligation to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their health or other characteristics. However, even in the modern world, some individuals face discrimination, especially children with HIV-positive status. The story of Ayman (name changed) and her child is just one example of such discrimination, but it is important to highlight the actions taken to protect their rights.

Situation:

Ayman, a single mother, found herself in the need to provide care and education for her child, who also happens to be HIV-positive. She decided to enroll her child in an educational center that offered extended-day services and was conveniently located near their home. The center’s conditions included providing supervision for the child before and after school, meals, assistance with homework, and a focus on educational aspects.

However, when Ayman applied to the educational center, she was denied a contract for educational services due to her child’s HIV-positive status. This refusal left her puzzled and worried, as she did not know where to turn to ensure a safe and caring environment for her child after school.

Actions and REAction:

Ayman and an infectious disease specialist, who provided medical support to her and her family, decided to take action together. They contacted the management of the educational center and invited the staff for an explanatory conversation. During this discussion, several crucial points were addressed:

Modes of HIV Transmission: The infectious disease specialist provided information on how HIV is transmitted and the precautions taken to prevent transmission within educational institutions.

Non-Discriminatory Approach: It was explained that the Republic of Kazakhstan guarantees protection from discrimination based on health or health status. This means that refusing services based on HIV-positive status is unacceptable.

Confidentiality: To protect the child’s confidentiality and medical information, the center’s management was reminded of the strict need to maintain confidentiality and not disclose the child’s diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The joint efforts of Ayman, the infectious disease specialist, and the management of the educational center resulted in the resolution of the situation and the protection of the child’s right to receive educational services. This case underscores the importance of education and public awareness about the rights of HIV-positive citizens and the impermissibility of discrimination based on their health. The pursuit of equality and the protection of every child’s right should be a priority in educational institutions and society as a whole.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Triumphing over the difficulties of recovery: REActor’s assistance in the rehabilitation of an HIV patient in Kazakhstan

Photo: freepik.com

Dilara (name changed), living with HIV, faced a serious need for surgery to repair her stomach. However, her long road to recovery was hampered by several bumps in the medical process.

First, the checkup required before surgery was postponed four times. The culprits were constant doctor absences, technical problems with equipment, and unstable database performance. These delays added stress to Dilara’s already difficult situation.

However, the hardest part was the attitude of the hospital staff. Because of her HIV status, Dilara faced constant neglect and underestimation, further worsening her emotional state.

The story took an unexpected turn when Dilara sought help from a REActor. As a result of the counseling session, she was given a detailed explanation of her rights and the timeline for her recovery surgery.

Together with the REActor, they filed a complaint with the Community Service Center (CSC) about the attitude of the staff and the postponement of the process. The case was registered and appropriate action was taken.

With the removal of the difficulties and pressures from the REActor and the CSC, Dilara was able to be examined and successfully underwent gastric reconstruction surgery. She is now in the rehabilitation phase, regaining her health.

This story emphasizes the importance of systemic support and proactive intervention in complex medical situations, especially when a patient faces additional challenges due to their status.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Caring for people living with HIV in Azerbaijan: how REActors help to overcome difficulties with residence registration

Photo: freepik.com

Recently, REActors in Azerbaijan have been facing a growing problem of integrating people living with HIV (PLHIV) into society. In more than 100 registered cases, problems have arisen either with personal documents or with official registration. Some of them had just been released from prison, some found themselves because their families had left them alone, and some had lost their documents. And the lack of documents limits access to social security services and benefits. 

However, despite the difficulties faced by members of vulnerable groups, national paralegals act as mediators to help resolve such problems. One example of such support was the case of Zaur (name changed), a member of the PLHIV community, who faced serious difficulties due to the lack of a propiska. In Azerbaijan, as in many other countries, this is an important prerequisite for obtaining government services such as a new passport, bank card, or pension payments.

Zaur was discharged by the police without obtaining a new propiska. This created an obstacle for him in receiving social services, as most state organizations require a place of residence registration before providing services. This situation became a real challenge for Zaur, depriving him of the opportunity to register elsewhere and receive the necessary social benefits.

This is when REActors stepped in, acting as intermediaries between Zaur and social services. They started by collecting the necessary documents that provided full information about his condition and needs. This included medical documents confirming HIV status and other documents necessary to resolve the issue of residence registration.

Next, the REActors actively searched for a suitable place for residence registration, taking into account all requirements and restrictions. However, their assistance was not limited to the selection. They also covered all costs related to registration and other necessary procedures. The resources for this were allocated from the paralegals’ funds, which emphasizes their dedication and willingness to help those in need. At the moment, the issue of Zaur’s place of residence is being resolved. 

This case became not only a vivid example of effective assistance to PLHIV in Azerbaijan but also emphasized the importance of the role of national REActors in ensuring social justice and inclusion. With their participation and support, a society is being created where every person can expect to be able to live a full life, regardless of their circumstances.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Progress in Addressing Discrimination and Promoting HIV Awareness in North Macedonia

Categories
Response stories

Triumph of Law in Tajikistan: Rustam’s story of fighting for justice

Photo: freepik.com

Rustam (name changed), who worked as a pediatric infectious disease specialist at a local polyclinic, suddenly encountered an extremely unpleasant situation that changed his life. Representatives of the law enforcement agencies came to his workplace and, without explaining, forcibly took him to the crime control department. During this unexpected delay, they seized Rustam’s cell phone and began asking obscene questions about his personal life and activities. He was forced to spend seven hours in this department, after which he was told to return the next day at 10 am.

Finding himself in such a difficult situation, Rustam turned to REActors for help. From the very beginning of his interaction with them, he felt care and attention, and the first question he heard was about the presence of pornography on his phone and its distribution. Rustam confidently assured that he had not sent any pornographic material, but acknowledged the presence of porn files in which he had been a participant. He was immediately referred to a lawyer for counseling and was advised to contact those who had detained him to confirm the time and date of the next meeting.

Two weeks later, Rustam was charged under Article 241 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, and the REActors began a joint effort to find out more details with the investigator in charge of the case. The first meeting with him did not bring the expected results, as the investigator showed reluctance to cooperate. Nevertheless, the lawyers did not give up and met with him again, carefully explaining that the files in Rustam’s phone had not been sent to anyone and that the actions of the law enforcement agencies violated the law. It was suggested to him that if there was no change in their attitude, an appeal to the Prosecutor General’s Office would be filed. However, even these persuasive arguments did not lead to changes in the situation.

Nevertheless, just three days after this last meeting, the investigator contacted Rustam and invited him to his department. There they discussed the situation again, returned his phone to him, and announced that the case was closed. Today, Rustam is feeling much better and the REActors remain in touch with him, providing the necessary support. Rustam decided to go to his parents to recover from the stress he had experienced.

Rustam’s story was a model of a successful struggle for justice, made possible through cooperation with REActors. They were on his side, provided him with legal support, and protected his interests, which led to the closure of the case. This case emphasizes the importance of legal aid and the principles of justice in society.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories Uncategorized

Armenia: help in fighting blackmail

Photo: freepik.com

This year brought an unexpected challenge in the life of Zara (name changed), a transgender woman. Together with her partner, she decided to take an HIV test and the result was positive. Instead of support and sympathy from her significant other, Zara faced shocking blackmail and threats. Her partner threatened to reveal her HIV status and demanded money to keep this personal information private. He swindled $1,500 in local currency and demanded more.

Zara found herself in a difficult situation, not knowing how to proceed. However, thanks to the advice of a kind friend, she turned to REActors for help. This was the turning point that helped Zara to reclaim her rights and regain her dignity.

The help provided by the REActor was incredibly valuable. Through competent counseling and support, Zara realized her rights and was able to regain her self-esteem. Equally importantly, the paralegal acted as a mediator in resolving this difficult situation. During the conversation, he explained to the offender about his illegal actions and what would follow if he did not stop.

After some time and after the intervention of the REActor, the blackmailer realized his illegal actions and returned the money to Zara. This case is an example of how proper information, dialog, and mediation can help people to fight injustice.

Zara’s story highlights the importance of the work of national REActors who come to the rescue in difficult situations and demonstrate that solidarity and knowledge of one’s rights can make a difference in people’s lives.

Also read:

Fighting for a safe birth: the story of a client from Uzbekistan

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Categories
Response stories

Fighting for a safe birth: the story of a client from Uzbekistan

Photo: freepik.com

This case will tell the story of Nisa (name changed), 38 weeks pregnant, who faced denial of medical care at the maternity hospital. Thanks to the intervention of REActors, she was able to ensure the safe delivery of her baby despite the difficulties and obstacles along the way.

There is a special phase in every pregnant woman’s life when she awaits her baby with joy and hope. However, sometimes the happiest moments can be overshadowed by unexpected difficulties. This is exactly what happened to a client who was in her 38th week of pregnancy.

When Nisa felt unwell and experienced pain, she immediately went to the maternity hospital where she was referred because of the dislocation. However, she faced an unexpected rejection. The reason was that the maternity hospital she was referred to was closing for washing after four days. The doctors were only willing to perform a natural birth, which could be completed within two days, but they could not perform a cesarean section. In addition, the client’s elevated viral load made independent labor impossible. When she tried to go to another birthing center, she was also turned down, explaining that her original birthing center was still open.

However, the client did not give up. With perseverance and determination, despite the challenges, she decided to follow through to ensure the safe delivery of her baby. Nisa visited the maternity hospital and engaged in a dialog with the head doctor and the doctor in charge of the cesarean section. She demanded a written waiver from the maternity hospital to document her rights to medical care. Despite resistance, she got her way and was admitted to the maternity hospital.

After all the necessary tests and examinations, Nisa was referred for a cesarean section at another maternity hospital, to ensure safety for both her and the baby.

This story is an example of how perseverance and self-belief can overcome the most difficult situations. Thanks to the intervention of REActors and the client’s determination, she was able to ensure the safe delivery of her baby despite the bureaucracy and denials she faced. This is an important reminder that fighting for your rights and taking care of your health is always worth the effort.

Original Source (in Russian)

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Response stories

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

The issues faced by people living with HIV are not overlooked in Azerbaijan. The story of Samir (name changed) is just one of many cases, and former prisoners who have spent time in prison for breaking the law are well aware of the problem. Before being imprisoned, Samir injected drugs and got HIV as a result of improper syringe use. Despite his imprisonment, he did not stop his dangerous practice after his release. 

It was known that the Republican Narcology Center (RNC) could provide an opportunity to participate in an opioid substitution therapy (OST) program. However, Samir faced a refusal when he applied to the Center, motivated by the need to undergo mandatory treatment before joining the program.

In June 2023, Samir sought help from the REActor and asked for assistance in enrolling in the OST program. He explained that he was already taking antiretroviral treatment and enrolling in the program would help him to break the cycle.

Actions taken

Given that the organization is a member of the Country Coordinating Mechanism, which also includes the RNC, the project coordinator contacted the head of the Center. As a result of the discussion, it was agreed that Samir could be included in the OST program without mandatory pre-treatment. For convenience, Samir’s inclusion in the program was done at a point located at the Republican AIDS Center.

Conclusion

The current situation with HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan has its own nuances. In recent years, the country has taken steps to improve access to health services, legal aid and social protection for key populations, including those released from detention. However, significant work remains to be done to achieve positive change.

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Response stories

A REActor in Tajikistan spoke out against violence and lynching

During an evening walk in the city of N, by a river, a crowd of four young men who were trying to drag a young girl into the water attracted attention. She cried out desperately for help but was powerless against their violence. Witnessing this offense was a REActor who could not remain indifferent to what was happening and decided to intervene to protect the girl.

He approached the boys and asked what was going on. They stated that they were trying to “punish” the girl for her previous behavior. The paralegal was threatened and warned that he too would be in trouble if he continued to intervene. However, the paralegal could not get past what was happening and decided to call the police, and specified that without immediate intervention of law enforcement, the consequences could be fatal. After that, he again actively confronted the guys, trying to explain to them that it is unacceptable to judge and punish anyone outside the law and that any conflict can be resolved peacefully.

But the offenders continued to insist that the girl was “disgracing” the neighborhood with her behavior. Finally, police officers arrived on the scene. The guys tried to escape punishment by throwing themselves into the river and swimming downstream. The REActor pulled the girl out of the water and the police officers began chasing the fugitives along the shore. While authorities were busy apprehending the boys, REActor talked to the girl to find out what had happened. She said that one of the attackers was her ex-boyfriend, who found out that she had provided services to a client for a fee and decided to retaliate out of jealousy.

The REActor and the girl filed a police report against her ex-boyfriend and all those involved in the attack. The detained young man pleaded guilty and revealed the names of the other participants. After that, a manhunt for them began.

This story was an example of a successful response to violence and vigilante justice in the neighborhood. The REActor’s decisive actions saved the girl and brought her justice. It became a symbol of intolerance to violence and showed that one person can change the course of events and protect those in need of help. This case also reaffirmed the importance of cooperating with the police and using legal means to bring offenders to justice.

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