Based on UN document, the Ministry of Justice publishes resolution on HIV / AIDS, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis among inmates

Brasilia, November 24, 2015 - On the 29th of October, the Ministry of Justice published the resolution of the National Council on Criminal and Penitentiary Policy ( NSCLC ) n.2 , which may make recommendations that aim to prevent the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and other diseases among persons deprived of liberty.

The resolution is based on the document of recommendations for tackling the HIV infection and viral hepatitis in prisons, which was prepared and approved jointly by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The resolution highlights the role of joint action between the Executive and the Judiciary, with the support of the Public Prosecutor, Public Defender and Social Control for the success of measures and indicates the secretaries responsible for penitentiary affairs and health in states and the Federal District to promote the adequacy of their prison standards in accordance with the document of recommendations adopted jointly by UNAIDS, WHO, UNODC, ILO and UNDP.

The resolution gained notoriety because it has become the norm of the National Council on Criminal and Penitentiary Policy, providing guidelines for actions of state departments of penitentiary affairs.

The proposed actions go through outreach activities, information and education on STDs / HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis in prisons, orientation, supply and free distribution of basic hygiene kits containing condoms and inputs of sexual use, which must be secured easily and discreetly in the quantity demanded by the detainees, without requiring the user to request them and regardless of the occasion of intimate visits.

In addition, it is guaranteed to detainees in vulnerable situations, such as persons with different sexual orientation or young offenders, the right to protection for all those who can suppose a threat and also ensure the measurements adequate to inform and treat cases of violence.

Noteworthy are also the guided orientations on harm reduction policy, assuring to the detainees who use drugs the confidential access to sterile equipment and inputs, alongside the acquisition of information on addiction treatment programs.

As for the prison officers and other prison workers, the resolution maintains that they should not be forced into mandatory testing and should have easy access to advice and to carry out HIV tests confidentially and voluntarily.

The CNPCP Resolution / MJ No. 2 of October 29, 2015 can be found on the  link.

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