Pozitif Alan: HIV status cannot be grounds for isolation

Pozitif Alan responded to the imprisonment of rights defenders working in the LGBTI+ and HIV fields as part of the “My Family Is Safe” operations, as well as the isolation of some people living with HIV on the grounds of their HIV status.

In its statement titled “Rights defenders working in the HIV and LGBTI+ fields must be released, health rights must be guaranteed,” Pozitif Alan said that since September 12, LGBTI+ people, associations and activists working in the LGBTI+ and HIV fields have faced detentions, arrests, raids on associations, and digital access restrictions.

Emphasizing that the LGBTI+ and HIV movements have struggled together for many years, Pozitif Alan noted that the imprisoned rights defenders also carried out work facilitating access to treatment, testing, and prevention services for people living with HIV:

“The criminalization of this work is not only an attack on civil society, but also directly undermines the response to HIV and public health in Türkiye.”

“HIV status can never be grounds for isolation”

The statement said that some imprisoned rights defenders were being held in isolation on the grounds of their HIV status and condemned the practice.

Recalling that HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact, sharing the same space, touching, hugging, or using shared toilets and eating utensils, the statement said:

“Therefore, HIV status can never be grounds for isolation. This practice is contrary to scientific facts, discriminatory, and degrading to human dignity.”

Pozitif Alan also expressed concern that imprisoned people living with HIV could face interruptions in access to medication and treatment:

“Continuity of HIV treatment is vital. Any delay or interruption in access to medication would seriously endanger the health of those imprisoned.”

Calling on prison administrations and the Ministry of Health, the statement demanded that imprisoned people living with HIV be guaranteed uninterrupted access to their medication, physicians, and necessary healthcare services.

“Human rights advocacy is not a crime”

Pozitif Alan called for an end to the pressure on associations and activists working in the LGBTI+ and HIV fields, the release of those imprisoned, and an end to isolation practices based on HIV status: “We reiterate once again: Human rights advocacy is not a crime.”

The statement concluded:

“No policy that isolates people living with HIV and LGBTI+ people, and punishes those who defend life, can protect families, society, or public health.”