Problem:

Previously, there was no systematic program for recording cases of violation of rights in Tajikistan, and, accordingly, no evidence base that would allow formulating adequate measures to eliminate violations of rights for key populations.

Solution:

The implementation of the REAct program became extremely relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizational program in Tajikistan: Coordinator – professional lawyer, four reactors / paralegals from partner civil society organizations working with representatives of key populations. Initially, the following pilot regions were covered: Dushanbe, PO “SPIN Plus”, GBAO, Khorog, PO “VOLUNTER”, Sughd region, city of Khojent, PO “DINA”, Khatlon region / Kulyab zone, city of Kulyab, PO “Chovidon”. Since September 2020, the REAct program has been expanded to 9 regions – there have been added: Districts of Republican Subordination, Vakhdat, PO “MARVORID”, Gissar / Tursun Zade, PO “Tajikistan Network of Women Living with HIV” and an additional reactor in Dushanbe, PO “Equal possibilities”. The program works with representatives of all key groups and demonstrates an example of mutual cooperation between the population and professional lawyers.

Result:

In 2020, 165 cases were recorded. As part of the program, regular trainings were held for street lawyers, they improved their educational level in providing primary legal and targeted assistance, a system of legal referrals, learned how to prepare statements, appeals. For the entire period of the program, legal assistance was provided to 250 beneficiaries.

The work of the program will be supported and expanded in Tajikistan, and its results will be used to form messages to medical workers, in dialogue with representatives of law enforcement agencies, the penitentiary system, within the framework of thematic working groups under the National Coordinating Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is necessary to bring all services for key populations as close as possible, to provide assistance in an accessible form and in an understandable language.