PRI advocates for the application of the Bangkok Rules to improve women prisoners’ health in Kazakhstan.

PRI is currently undertaking a two-year project, (2011-13) supported by the European Union in women’s prisons in two regions of Kazakhstan.

The objectives of the project are to enhance the system of prevention of HIV/AIDS and TB among women in prisons, to improve the detection, cure and care of women in prisons and to develop the capacity of public authorities working in the sphere of HIV/AIDS and TB in the penal system of Kazakhstan, taking into account the healthcare related provisions of the Bangkok Rules.

During the first year of the project a number of discussions took place at the national level on the situation of HIV/AIDS and TB prevention in prisons.  PRI highlighted the responsibility of the Ministry of Health in light of the Bangkok Rules during consultations involving representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Interior and other experts.  Further consultations will take place in 2012.  Other key activities included baseline research on sanitation and standards of healthcare in women’s prisons in Kazakhstan; the development of a handbook for patients on HIV/AIDS and TB detection, transmission and cure, piloted during 24 trainings involving almost 1,500 female prisoner and staff in two regions. Legislative analysis has been conducted to assess gaps which impede disease prevention.

The analysis will be used in advocacy activities during the second year of the project and will help policy makers to improve healthcare, including preventive medicine, of female inmates in Kazakhstan and thereby make progress in the implementation of the Bangkok Rules.

See below to read more about this project.