ENSURING HEALTH CARE AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN PLACES OF IMPRISONMENT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article analyzes the reasons why persons deprived of their liberty are in a situation of increased vulnerability to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Conditions are often overcrowded, with poor sanitation and poor ventilation, frequent movement within and between prisons, and stress combined with far from ideal food - all of which increase the likelihood of infectious diseases. Limited resources available to persons in prison, including access to testing and personal protective equipment, are an additional problem. Therefore, updating prevention measures, including vaccination status of persons in prisons, is one of the key public health measures, especially given the fact that many detainees have not had any before or at least regular contact with the health care system. At the same time, under the conditions of national quarantine, the issue of respect for human and civil rights arose in society. In particular, this issue concerns particularly vulnerable groups, including those held in prisons. Inadequate living conditions, poor medical conditions and a high proportion of chronic prisoner diseases are the reasons for the rapid spread of COVID-19, which can have serious consequences for life and health. The state is responsible for the health of its convicts or detainees. Today, at the international level, certain recommendations and measures have been formulated that need to be implemented in penitentiary institutions, which should help to control and manage the situation. Many international organizations have already done this work, made efforts and some suggestions and recommendations. Governments and other public decision-makers around the world have failed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in prisons, leading to an increase in prison infections and COVID-19-related deaths behind bars. According to the World Health Organization, local efforts to combat COVID-19 are likely to fail if the authorities do not take harsh measures in prisons and other places of detention. Yet international standards for the health of prisoners - even during a pandemic - exist and can be used by human rights defenders to fight for adequate medical care. Key words: human rights, health care, places of imprisonment, safety of convicts, pandemic, COVID-19.