Tag: Azerbaijan

Ethics in question: a case of discrimination in Azerbaijan medicine

Post author By velyunsky
Post date June 3, 2024

This case raises important questions about professional ethics, equality, and respect for every patient, regardless of their medical status.

Artur (name changed) addressed the national REActors of Azerbaijan. His story began with an ordinary visit to the dentist, which turned into a series of unpleasant events. The man went to the dentist because his tooth had broken. He hoped for quick and quality help. The doctor took measurements and explained that the only would be ready in a few days. Arthur made an advance payment for the work.

A few days later, the man returned for the finished clay. To his surprise, the dentist said that it was ready, but refused to install it. The reason why the dentist did not want to complete the work was the following: while waiting for the only to be ready, Artur shared with him that on a particular day, he needed to pick up his ART because he was a representative of the community of people living with HIV. The man tried to return the money, but his requests were ignored and he was chased out of the office. In desperation and not knowing where to turn for justice, Artem decided to tell his story to the national REActors of Azerbaijan. The case was taken up by them to achieve justice and solve the client’s problem.

An assistance with recovery through OST in Azerbaijan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date May 21, 2024

The situation happened to Elmira (name changed), a 25-year-old woman from a community of people who use drugs. Her life circumstances were such that she started with light substances, but soon moved on to heavier ones, and this led to addiction. A turning point in her life was the tragic death of her lover from an overdose – this made Elmira decide to stop using. Elmira turned to a REActor. Understanding her desire to quit drugs and change her situation, he helped her access opioid substitution therapy (OST) at the Republican Narcology Center (RNC). With REActor’s support, Elmira began her treatment journey.

The initial stages of treatment were incredibly challenging for Elmira. However, with perseverance and the support of the medical professionals at RNC, she managed to stabilize her condition. Her commitment to the program and the structured support it provided were crucial in helping her navigate the difficulties of withdrawal and recovery.

Today, Elmira stands on the threshold of a better life. She has found employment and has mended her relationship with her parents, rebuilding the connections that had frayed during her years of addiction. Elmira’s journey to recovery highlights the profound impact of access to effective treatment and support systems. Her story is a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar challenges, demonstrating that with the right help, it is possible to overcome addiction. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of OST and the comprehensive support offered by REActor and the NGO Struggle Against AIDS (SAAPU).

Breaking barriers: combatting sexual orientation prejudice in Azerbaijan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date April 21, 2024

Murad (name changed), a 20-year-old science student at a university, has faced immense challenges in his young life. At the age of 15, he discovered his sexual orientation when he fell in love with a friend. This realization brought him face-to-face with the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. As the only child of elderly parents, Murad took great pains to shield them from potential rumors and the societal backlash that could devastate them.

Despite his efforts to maintain a low profile, Murad’s secret was threatened when a classmate discovered his truth. The classmate menacingly suggested revealing Murad’s sexual orientation to his family, a prospect that filled Murad with dread. For Murad, the thought of his parents suffering because of his identity was unbearable.

In his distress, Murad reached out to REActor. Understanding the gravity of the situation, REActor referred Murad to a lawyer for immediate assistance. The lawyer arranged to meet Murad at the NGO Struggle Against AIDS (SAAPU) office to discuss the best course of action.

Following the lawyer’s advice, Murad invited the threatening classmate to a meeting. Though initially hesitant, the classmate agreed to attend. During the meeting, the lawyer calmly and firmly outlined the legal repercussions of mental abuse and blackmail. Confronted with the serious consequences of his actions, the classmate had a change of heart. He apologized to Murad and assured him that he would respect his privacy going forward.

Murad’s story highlights the fundamental importance of privacy as a human right. Privacy underpins freedom of association, thought, and expression, as well as freedom from discrimination. While different countries and individuals hold varying views on privacy, the rights of all human beings must be safeguarded, regardless of the obstacles they face. And thanks to the ongoing support and advocacy of organizations such as SAAPU and the work of REActors, the situation in the country is changing.

Breaking down walls of silence: the struggle for sex workers’ rights in Azerbaijan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date November 5, 2023

For the past five years, women facing HIV, sex workers, and those who use drugs in Azerbaijan have been marginalized in the process of preparing and submitting shadow reports to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In the concluding observations on Azerbaijan’s sixth periodic report (2022), CEDAW expressed concern, pointing out that the state relies on non-governmental organizations to provide shelter. The Committee recommended the abolition of penalties against women for prostitution, criminalization of sexual exploitation, and the provision of support programs for those who wish to leave sex work.

Zeinab’s (name changed) story is just one of many such cases. Married at seventeen, she faced difficulties when her husband left for Russia, leaving her alone with a child and no means of livelihood. Attempts to get support from her parents proved futile, and Zeinab was forced to turn to sex work. When her landlord found out about her activities, he demanded that she move out.

It was at this point that REActors intervened after hearing about the situation from other sex workers. Working with the NGO Clean World, they organized a shelter for Zeinab and her child, providing not only shelter and food but also free services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. A lawyer was engaged to resolve the eviction issue. Despite the lack of a lease, sanctions against the landlord were not possible.

Zeinab also began vocational training aimed at her eventual reintegration into society. The shelter provided her with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to live independently. Despite her difficulties, she remains hopeful for a brighter future.

The challenges facing women in Azerbaijan are often related to early marriage, limited access to education, and high unemployment. Involvement in sex work becomes a frequent response to these factors. It is therefore important to continue to fight for women’s rights and provide support and alternatives for those who want to change their lives. The intervention of NGOs and REActors undoubtedly plays a key role in this process.

Also read:

Protecting the rights of transgender women in Tajikistan

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Tags

Tags Azerbaijan, Discrimination, Sex Workers

Response stories

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

Post author By velyunsky
Post date September 5, 2023

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

Tags Azerbaijan, Discrimination, HIV

Response stories

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date August 24, 2023

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.

Also read:

The Scarlet Letter: The Marking of a Person Living with HIV in North Macedonia

Discrimination against HIV-positive prisoners in Kazakhstan: Barriers to resocialization

Tags Azerbaijan, HIV, Human Rights