The Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons has received an application for the position of Board Member from Natalia Minaeva, a representative of Kazakhstan. In her application, Natalia shared her motivation, professional background, and vision of the challenges related to the right to health in places of detention.
BASIC INFORMATION
1. Full name: Natalia Minaeva
2. Do you share the mission and vision of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons? Yes
3. Please describe your motivation to contribute to the development of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons:
I would like to share my motivation to contribute to the development of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons as a member of the Board. As someone with lived experience of incarceration, I understand firsthand how vital access to healthcare and human rights is for people in detention. My time spent in prison opened my eyes to the systemic problems faced by incarcerated individuals and the barriers that prevent them from receiving adequate support.
As a member of the National Preventive Mechanism, I actively monitor detention conditions and promote human rights in correctional facilities. I am convinced that every person—regardless of past mistakes—has the right to life, health, and humane conditions of detention. My work in this field has taught me the importance of amplifying the voices of those in vulnerable situations and representing their interests at all levels.
As a representative of the community of formerly incarcerated individuals on Kazakhstan’s Country Coordinating Mechanism on HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, I am deeply aware of the need for a comprehensive approach to health. This includes not only medical care but also social support, education, and reintegration.
I want to become part of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons because I believe in the possibility of building a more just system—one in which access to healthcare and human rights are respected. I am ready to apply my experience, knowledge, and passion for human rights to improve the conditions for people in detention and advocate for policy change. I am confident that together we can achieve meaningful progress that will change many lives for the better. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this important mission and support the movement for the right to health in prisons.
4. Do you have personal experience of incarceration? Yes
5. What are the main barriers to ensuring the right to health in prisons in your country?
- Limited access to quality healthcare: Prisons often lack qualified medical personnel, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat illnesses. Detainees face long waits and inadequate services.
- Stigma and discrimination: Incarcerated individuals frequently encounter prejudice from medical staff, especially when seeking care for HIV, tuberculosis, or other infectious diseases. This deters them from seeking help.
- Lack of health information: People in prison rarely receive full information about their health status or treatment options, which limits their ability to make informed decisions.
- Medication shortages: Access to necessary medications is unreliable; medicines may be unavailable or insufficient in quantity, negatively impacting chronic care.
- Lack of disease prevention programs: HIV and TB testing and harm reduction services (e.g., needle exchange) are rarely implemented in prison settings.
- Mental health needs are unmet: Psychological support is limited or unavailable despite widespread issues like stress and depression among incarcerated individuals.
- No rehabilitation programs: There is little access to comprehensive rehabilitation that could support health recovery and preparation for life after release.
Natalia Minaeva’s CV is attached.
Voting on Natalia Minaeva’s candidacy will take place between September 2 and 16. Further information on the voting process and timeline will be shared via email and published on our website.