Tag: Kazakhstan

Bias and intimidation: cases of police pressure in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date September 21, 2024

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.

Defending equal rights in Kazakhstan: successful patient advocacy at OAT

Post author By velyunsky
Post date August 23, 2024

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.

Probation or punishment: how inspectors in Kazakhstan prevent re-socialization

Post author By velyunsky
Post date August 15, 2024

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.

Confronting neglect: how a woman sought justice in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date August 8, 2024

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.

Resisting discrimination: a new chapter in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date July 20, 2024

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.

Threats and cyberbullying against a non-binary person in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date June 5, 2024

An incident that occurred last year and had a continuation in early 2024 related to Aruzhan (name changed). They are 21 years old, non-binary person, LGBTIQ+ activist. A university student saw Aruzhan’s recent posts regarding their civic activities and the attacks associated with them. This student, who was part of a group that had previously cyberbullying and threatening Aruzhan with violence because of their participation in a Pride Flag community event, began posting insults and threats again in a closed group on Telegram under an anonymous nickname.

The insults included derogatory terms and phrases, as well as threats of violence, such as “I’m itching to smack him in the back alley”. Aruzhan’s friend who was a member of the group forwarded screenshots of the messages. The client, despite the fact that they were now out of the attacker’s reach, were very worried about their safety and feared that they might be found and harmed.

This situation is an example of cyber-bullying and threats that violate the human rights to safe existence and protection from discrimination, in particular against LGBTIQ+ persons, and can also have significant psychological and physical consequences.

To protect their rights, Aruzhan sought the help of REActors. In response to the threats and cyberbullying, the REActors prepared and wrote a complaint to the university administration. Cyberbullying and threats of violence are prohibited by law and should be prosecuted. It is important that educational institutions and other institutions protect their students from such actions and create a safe environment for all, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Protect your rights: defeating discrimination in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date May 1, 2024

Svetlana (name changed), a resident of the city N, participates in a substitution therapy program (OAT). Through an outsourcing company, she was assigned to work for a firm selling household chemicals as a “packer”.

Svetlana successfully passed her probationary period, demonstrating her skills and diligence. However, when it came time to apply for permanent employment, she was rejected after learning of her participation in the OAT program. The employer rescinded the hiring decision, citing possible reputational consequences.

The girl turned to REActor for help and their efforts were not in vain. Together they sent appeals to various government agencies, demanding that the situation be sorted out. They also contacted the employer, who confirmed that Svetlana had successfully passed her probationary period and that the company was now ready to hire her permanently. The employer was probably afraid of possible negative consequences and decided to change his decision. Perhaps he realized that refusal to participate in the OAT program could lead to legal problems.

Also, as a result of the written appeals, the Department of Labor and Social Security began an inspection of the outsourcing company, which was subsequently placed on the list of unreliable labor market service providers.

This story shows how a REActor was able to change Svetlana’s life and influence the policies of the company that tried to stop her.

Violation of confidentiality of a patient at an AIDS center in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date April 10, 2024

Marat (name changed) faced a serious violation of his privacy and data protection rights. Due to his employment, he did not visit the AIDS Center where he was registered. A nurse from the facility visited him at his place of residence, but did not find the man at home. As a result, she left a note in the door, urging him to come in for a scheduled test. Neighbors who read the note misinterpreted the information about Marat’s HIV status and began to stigmatize him as “contagious”.

Leaving the note with information about Marat’s HIV status in a visible place led to a violation of his right to privacy and protection of personal data. It also resulted in serious social consequences, including stigmatization by his neighbors. According to the law, information about HIV status is strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed without the patient’s consent, and violation of these norms entails liability and may lead to legal consequences for the medical institution and its staff.

To protect his rights, Marat turned to REActors for help. In response to the nurse’s unlawful actions, REActors prepared and wrote a complaint to the AIDS Center.

Entitlement or preference? The world celebrates Health Day

Post author By velyunsky
Post date April 7, 2024

April 7 marks World Health Day, founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950. This day recalls the importance of health for all people in the world and emphasizes the need for access to skilled health care as a fundamental human right. In this context, providing life-saving services such as opioid substitution therapy (OST) to people from key populations is critical. This approach enables patients to manage physical dependence, reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases (e.g. HIV or hepatitis), and improve quality of life.

However, despite the proven effectiveness of OST, many people around the world (including in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region) face barriers to accessing this treatment due to stigmatization, lack of access to health services, or legal restrictions. This creates serious obstacles for those in need of assistance.

For example, recent changes to the Ministry of Health’s January 24 Order to the opioid substitution therapy program in Georgia have made significant adjustments. Under the previous rules, patients participating in the program had the opportunity to receive a two-day dose of medication if they were unable to visit a healthcare facility, and this dose could be picked up for them by a family member or other authorized person. However, under the changes made, this right has been limited and patients or their authorized representatives must now visit the service center daily.

The changes also affected the ability to provide patients with pharmaceuticals in special cases. Previously, there was an option to receive a five-day supply of medication when long-term home treatment exceeding two months was required, or a seven-day supply for those with a pronounced disability or active tuberculosis. However, the amendments have completely abolished this exceptional regulation. Under the previous regulation, patients could also be given a dose if they had to move around the country (the principle of business travel). The innovations have abolished this regulation and now, even in cases of exceptional need such as business travel or ill health, patients can only be given a one-day dose.

Kazakhstan also has a serious problem with violations of the rights to health care and health maintenance for people who use psychoactive substances. These problems have been identified, including through the REAct, on appeals related to obstacles in accessing medical services for clients. This situation covers several aspects:

– Lack of access to free medical care, including tests and abortions, for persons without compulsory social health insurance.

– Limited access to a guaranteed amount of free medical care for people who use psychoactive substances.

– Insufficient drug supply and diagnosis of diseases among persons in detention centers.

According to the Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan from September 23, 2020, № KR DSM-108/2020, treatment of people who use psychoactive substances is carried out within the guaranteed volume of free medical care in regional Mental Health Centers (MHC). Anonymous treatment is available only on a paid basis. However free medical care does not provide the necessary range of services for social, psychological, pedagogical, labor, cultural, economic, and legal support for people from the community.

The theme of this year’s World Health Day is “My Health, My Right” and aims to support and recognize the right of everyone, wherever they are, to access high-quality health care, education and health information, and freedom from discrimination. This means that it is worth taking another opportunity to draw public attention to such violations of people’s rights to quality and timely health care and the need to develop a model that complies with human rights principles and international standards while taking into account the needs of patients, their families and the interests of organizations providing addiction treatment services. And legislate to guarantee the provision of a full range of assistance for the treatment and rehabilitation of everyone who needs it.

Health is everyone’s right, as is equal access for all people to qualified care.

The fight for patients’ rights has led to changes in a hospital in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date March 20, 2024

In the city of N, in the complicated trauma department of the city clinical hospital, an event that shook one woman’s life and led to major changes in the institution’s policies took place.

As part of his outreach work, the REActor visited a client who had been hospitalized the previous day in the department. During the encounter, he noticed a blue plastic bracelet worn on the client’s arm containing her personal information, ward abbreviation, room number, and information about her HIV-positive status. When asked by the REActor about the significance of this information, the client explained that bracelets with similar data were common among patients and that the information about her HIV status had been added after the ward manager made rounds.

The REActor attempts to have the confidential information removed from the bracelet was resisted by the ward manager, who asserted that he was well versed in clinical protocol and did not consider it necessary to take into account the comments of “amateurs”.

Having understood the situation, the REactor sent a complaint to the chief physician of the hospital. Thanks to this complaint, an immediate order was given to remove confidential information from the patient’s bracelet. The department head was reprimanded and then fired due to multiple prior violations, including disregard for patient rights.

This story is an example of how determination and fighting for justice can lead to systemic change. It emphasizes the importance of respecting patients’ rights to privacy and protection from discrimination based on their health. The REActor was able to bring change to a previously unjust system, demonstrating that everyone has the right to have their interests respected and protected.

Denial of access to specialized medical services for a woman living with HIV in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date March 6, 2024

Alla (name changed), a woman living with HIV, faced serious violations of her access to health services and rights. She was diagnosed with HIV 14 years ago and recently went to a public polyclinic to seek help for increasing symptoms of depression. However, she was denied access to a psychotherapist and appropriate medication.

Alla’s rights were violated by the medical staff of the polyclinic, namely the therapist in charge, who denied her the necessary examination and treatment. Such behavior violates the patient’s rights to receive medical care and constitutes discrimination on the basis of HIV status.

According to the legislation, all citizens have equal rights to medical care, regardless of their HIV status. Medical institutions are obliged to provide the necessary treatment and counseling without discrimination and stigmatization of patients. Denial of medical care on the basis of HIV status is a direct violation of these rights and norms.

To protect her rights, Alla turned to REActors for help. In response to the unlawful actions of the polyclinic, REActors prepared and wrote a complaint to the primary health care center with a request to take measures to restore Alla’s rights and ensure proper medical care.

Request as discrimination: protecting the rights of HIV patients in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date February 5, 2024

Rayana (name changed), a woman living with HIV, faced a violation of her rights when trying to take a trip to a sanatorium. The staff demanded a certificate from the AIDS Center, which would have forced Rayana to disclose her HIV status. The woman did not want to do this, as she was eager to avoid possible negative consequences.

The staff’s demand to provide such a document is a violation of the client’s rights. Medical information, including HIV status, is strictly confidential and may not be disclosed without the patient’s consent. Staff of medical institutions are obliged to comply with these norms and not to demand disclosure of information that may lead to stigmatization or discrimination of the patient.

To protect her rights, Rayana turned to REActors for help. In response to the sanatorium’s misconduct, the REActors prepared and wrote a complaint to the Public Health Department. The complaint emphasized that the institution’s demands contradict the laws on personal data protection and patients’ rights, and requested to take measures to restore justice.

The situation faced by Rayana emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of patients with HIV and the need to respect the confidentiality of medical information. All healthcare providers must respect the rights of their patients and protect them from discrimination and stigmatization.

Isolation, denial and victory: the case in a dental clinic in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 21, 2023

The symptoms of periodontitis forced Saule (name changed) to seek help at a dental clinic recommended by a friend. However, at the first visit, the doctor began to investigate not only the condition of her teeth but also Saule’s HIV and hepatitis status. Upon learning of her infectious diagnosis, the doctor refused treatment, citing “inability to provide services” because of Saule’s status.

The girl’s surprise increased when her friend, who had applied for a similar service, received it without problems. When Saule learned that the doctor not only refused treatment but also advised her friend to stop communicating, citing contagiousness, she decided to look into the situation.

The doctor argued that the clinic lacked the necessary equipment, tools, and protective clothing to work with HIV-positive people. Faced with such discrimination, the girl turned to REActor for support, who provided an HIV training module and explained Saule’s rights.

The next day, the REActor visited the clinic and spoke with the doctor about the inadmissibility of disclosing information about HIV-positive patients and the obligations of medical staff towards HIV-positive people.

The clinic apologized, provided dental care to Saule, and ensured that such violations would not happen again.

This story emphasizes the importance of respecting patients’ rights, denouncing discrimination, and the need to educate medical staff about HIV infection. Fighting for equal rights to health care is a key element in creating an inclusive and tolerant healthcare environment.

Fighting for rights: confronting discrimination based on TB in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 19, 2023

The story of Marat (name changed), an electrician from Kazakhstan, was a testament to injustice and discrimination in the workplace due to illness. The difficulties began when his health deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, when he returned to work after successful treatment, he was in for an unpleasant surprise.

For the past two months, Marat had been experiencing severe symptoms of TB: coughing, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Concerned about his condition, he went to the doctor, which eventually led to the diagnosis. After active treatment and return to work, Marat faced dismissal due to TB and denial of benefits.

Intervening in the situation, the REActor and the TB lawyer advocated on Marat’s side. They visited the company, negotiated with the director, and explained the laws governing temporary disability and workers’ rights. Referring to the Government Decree and Article 55 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, they emphasized the unacceptability of dismissal due to TB.

As a result of successful negotiations, Marat was reinstated at work and paid one month’s temporary disability allowance. The director pledged to avoid similar violations in the future.

This story emphasizes the need to respect workers’ rights and the inadmissibility of discrimination based on illness. Confronting such situations requires awareness of rights, strong intervention by public bodies, and an unwavering fight for labor justice. Everyone, regardless of their health, deserves respect and equality in the workplace.

Eviction from a dormitory due to HIV+ status in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 14, 2023

The story of Maria (name changed), living with HIV+ in rented dormitory accommodation, was a testimony of injustice and discrimination. But thanks to the decisive actions and support of REActor, the woman was able to defend her rights and change the course of events.

In the latest episode of her fight for equal rights, Maria was notified that she needed to be evicted from the dormitory because of her HIV+ status. The commandant of the dormitory made it clear that Maria staying there could pose a risk of HIV transmission to other residents, especially children.

This is not the first case of discrimination Maria has faced, but this time she decided not to keep silent and turned to REActor for help. The paralegal provided her with not only support but also information about her rights and possible actions.

The first step was the REActor’s consultation with Maria. Her rights were explained and possible steps for advocacy were suggested. Then, together with the REActor, they went to the dormitory to discuss the grounds for eviction with the administration.

A meeting with the hostel commandant confirmed that the decision to evict was directly related to the HIV+ status of Maria and her child. To overcome stigma and discrimination, the REActor decided to have a preventive conversation with the hostel administrator. The ways of HIV transmission and prevention methods were explained, it was emphasized that HIV is not airborne and that discrimination against PLHIV is unacceptable.

The commandant of the dormitory apologized for the incident and assured Maria that she was allowed to stay. There was also a promise of confidentiality and training for dormitory staff to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This story highlights the importance of combating discrimination and stigmatization of PLHIV in Kazakhstan. By persevering and seeking help, Maria and the REActor were able to achieve justice and change society’s view of the real risks of HIV transmission. Combating prejudice and raising public awareness about PLHIV remain key steps towards an inclusive society.

Denial of hospitalization: story of the fight against discrimination and stigma in Kazakhstan

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 12, 2023

It all started with Ruslan’s (name changed) HIV test, which turned out to be positive. According to the preliminary agreement with the REActor, a visit to the AIDS center was scheduled to confirm the diagnosis. However, on that day the situation took an unexpected turn.

Ruslan was found by the REActor in an extremely serious condition, experiencing intense pain. The client reported that he had already asked for an ambulance the day before, but had been refused. The REActor called the ambulance again but also faced a negative reaction from the medical staff. They treated the man with disdain (Ruslan was from a community of people who use drugs and had no permanent residence at the time of the call), believing that he did not need hospitalization and expressing displeasure with his smell.

Despite the difficulties, the REActor insisted on hospitalization, taking full responsibility for the client. Eventually, after much persuasion, Ruslan was still taken to the emergency hospital. Immediately thereafter, the REActor contacted the superintendent, summoning an ambulance crew and holding a meeting about the unacceptable treatment and discrimination of patients.

However, after being discharged from the hospital, a new challenge arose – refusal to register for dispensary registration at the City AIDS Center due to lack of attachment to the polyclinic. Again, the REActor took on the problem, providing support with documents and ensuring that he was attached to a polyclinic.

Ruslan underwent all the necessary tests at the AIDS Center and started antiretroviral therapy (ART).

This story demonstrates how stigma and discrimination create additional difficulties for patients, depriving them of their right to quality medical care. Thanks to the perseverance and determination of the REActor, stereotypes and discrimination were countered. This case became a call to combat negative stereotypes, raise awareness among medical staff, and create a tolerant environment where every patient can expect impartial and quality care, regardless of their status or circumstances.

Drug policy of zero tolerance and double standard practices. ENPUD analytical paper on the situation in Kazakhstan

Partners' publication

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 8, 2023

In 2023, ENPUD’s Expert Council on Drug Policy started documenting strategic cases among people who inject drugs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In Kazakhstan, 3 strategic cases were documented. Based on the collected evidence, ENPUD experts prepared an analytical document on drug policy trends in the country.

Zero tolerance policy and double standards practice, this is all you need to know about the fight against drug trafficking in Kazakhstan. To say that there is outright repression of drug addicts here is to say nothing. The dictatorial system can only prohibit everything and limit people’s rights and freedoms in every possible way, what to say about people who use drugs?

In Kazakhstan, “drug addiction” is a stigma, with which it is almost impossible for a person to fully socialize in a normal society, because this label will constantly hang behind the back, highlighted in all electronic databases, even after the official deregistration. Such a person is in a constant atmosphere of distrust and violation of rights, he can be taken for examination for no other reason than the

He or she is denied access to the civil service and many other official places, including representative bodies, as this fact is often used by the authorities as criminalization and banal compromise. These facts of marginalization are confirmed by health professionals, publications in the media, as well as by the testimonies of people who are registered as drug users.

This publication is a product developed independently by the regional community ENPUD. The opinions expressed in the publication may not align with the position of the Global Fund, the Alliance for Public Health, the regional project SoS_project, REAct, or partners in the countries. Representatives of the aforementioned organizations were not involved in the writing, approval, or review of the material presented in this publication.

Tags ENPUD, Kazakhstan

Response stories

Protecting the rights of a person living with HIV+ in Kazakhstan: A case of dismissal and a victory for justice

Post author By velyunsky
Post date December 3, 2023

In Kazakhstan, the dismissal of Alan (name changed), a man living with HIV+, prompted the intervention of REActors. Paralegals came to the aid of a man who faced discrimination at his workplace in a private packaging firm.

Alan was fired from his job on the shop floor of a private firm after a colleague learned of his HIV-positive status. A senior manager at the firm invited Alan to speak to him and, citing negative attitudes from coworkers, asked him to quit. The manager was dismissive of Alan, ignoring his rights and refusing to listen to his side of the situation.

The REActor took it upon himself to protect Alan’s rights by taking the following steps – he went to the private firm to meet with the senior manager. During the conversation, issues of discrimination and violations of Alan’s employment rights were raised. The REActor drew the manager’s attention to the fact that the dismissal was based solely on Alan’s HIV status, which was a breach of the law.

It was emphasized that the Labor Law prohibits dismissal for reasons unrelated to professional duties or health conditions if it does not affect the performance of employment duties.

The manager, representing the firm, apologized for the unfortunate termination and expressed his willingness to hire Alan back, acknowledging his incompetence in the matter.

Alan eventually received not only an apology but also an offer to return to work. However, perhaps because of the negative experience, Alan declined the offer.

This case became a shining example of successful advocacy for the rights of a person with HIV+ in Kazakhstan. REActors continue its work to combat discrimination and violations of rights in employment, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Also read:

Combating Discrimination Against Children with HIV in Kazakhstan Educational Institutions

Problems of HIV-positive prisoners in Azerbaijan

Tags HIV, Kazakhstan