REAct (Rights – Evidence – Actions) is a tool developed by Frontline AIDS to enable monitoring and response to human rights violations at the community level. The tool is being implemented by the Alliance for Public Health ICF with support from the Global Fund. REAct focuses on documenting cases of human rights violations in key communities and responding to human rights-related barriers to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The project team presented a new regional digest, an overview of rights violations against people vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in 14 countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region for the year 2023. This digest highlights current trends and challenges faced by this population, providing an analysis of the human rights situation in the context of HIV/AIDS. REAct continues its mission of identifying and documenting rights violations, as well as emphasizing important aspects of health and social justice for people living with HIV.
Here are just a few of the trends observed in the region over the past year (using some of the countries mentioned in the digest as examples):
Armenia: challenges in the aftermath of war
In September 2023, the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh forced some 106,000 refugees into Armenia, including LGBTIQ+ people and the commercial sex worker (CSW) community. Nagorno-Karabakh has not conducted HIV prevention programs, creating barriers to testing and prevention services. There is a trend in Russia to deport HIV-positive individuals to Armenia. This context emphasizes the importance of efforts to ensure the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups.
Georgia: violence and bias
In 2023, 304 cases of hate-motivated violence against members of vulnerable groups were registered in Georgia. High levels of violence are particularly visible in regions where clients are aggressive towards sex workers and trans* women. These cases underscore the need for effective measures to prevent violence and protect the rights of this group.
Kazakhstan: barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis
In Kazakhstan, despite the free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service, cases of barriers to access for certain groups have been identified. Accurate information on sexual orientation is required to receive PrEP, which creates additional barriers. This fact requires attention and adjustments in the health system.
North Macedonia: violation of rights in the health sector
Numerous cases in North Macedonia in 2023 demonstrate the violation of the rights of people living with HIV in the health sector. Denial of medical care, disclosure of HIV status, and use of stigmatizing language create serious barriers. Rising hatred against LGBT people underscores the need to combat discrimination.
All of this (and more) data and stories of care are available in REAct’s 2023 Regional Digest. This information not only throws light on the issues but also emphasizes the importance of solidarity and effective action to protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations in the region.
VirusOff fully shares the mission of the REAct tool to monitor and respond to human rights violations at the community level and calls for united efforts to fight for the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or social status. The information provided in REAct’s 2023 Regional Digest not only exposes the dark sides of rights violations but also highlights effective methods and tools to address these issues. Let us remember that only by working together can we create a society where everyone can feel protected and respected.