The Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region faces serious challenges in human rights and health care in places of deprivation of liberty. The closed nature of penitentiary institutions, limited access to health and social services, lack of systematic preparation for release, and high levels of stigmatization of former prisoners create significant obstacles to social reintegration. Despite the challenges, the active involvement of civil society and the united efforts of people with lived prison experience can contribute to positive change in this area.
The community of people with experience of imprisonment is emerging in the EECA region as an important force that can influence penitentiary system reforms and human rights protection. Over the past few years, initiative groups working on the issues of health care, social adaptation, and legal support for former prisoners have emerged in different countries of the region. These groups are gradually coming together to create a powerful movement capable of systemic change. One of the key steps in the development of the community was the first regional meeting organized by the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons last June in Istanbul.
The event brought together people from diverse backgrounds and professions to develop a shared vision for ensuring the right to health in prisons, developing country advocacy plans, and discussing technical assistance needs. “We saw how important the input of people with experience of incarceration themselves is in the reform process. Their knowledge and understanding of the situation from the inside gives us a unique opportunity to change the system,” notes Oleksii Zagrebelnyi, Head of the Board of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons.
Among the key problems noted by the participants were the closed nature of the prison system, the prevalence of the regime over the needs of prisoners, lack of preparation for release, limited access to health and social services, and high stigmatization of former prisoners. During the discussions, participants formed a strategic vision for the work of the community, which emphasizes the creation of platforms for dialogue with state structures, equal access to health and social services for prisoners, effective mechanisms for the protection of human rights, and the involvement of prisoners themselves in professional activities. “We strive not just to discuss problems, but to find concrete solutions. Forming a strong community is the key to sustainable change,” emphasized Natalia Minaeva, a member of the Board of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons.
“Developing and supporting the community of people with experience of incarceration is an important step towards ensuring the right to health in penitentiary institutions in the EECA region. By joining efforts with state structures, international organizations, and experts, we aim to ensure that access to health care services in prisons is equivalent to access to freedom.” – summarizesAnna Koshikova, Executive Director of theEurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons.