The research activities of the organization “Physicians for truth and justice” focus on expert studies of human rights in the Belarusian penitentiary system, particularly the right to health and to medical and psychological care in prison.
Main research areas:
– Medical care in prisons
Analysis of the organization of medical care and issues related to the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of medical care for prisoners in Belarus.
Identification and analysis of systemic problems, such as medication shortages, access to emergency, qualified, and specialized care, denials of medical care, isolation of patients, etc. Developing proposals and recommendations for addressing these issues and deficiencies.
– Psychiatric and psychological care for prisoners
Availability and quality of psychiatric and psychological care for prisoners. Qualifications of specialists providing such care, their adherence to professional ethics, and trust in them on the part of prisoners. Issues of ensuring confidentiality in the provision of such care and maintaining medical confidentiality.
– The psychological state of former prisoners
Interviews and case studies with people who have experienced torture, psychological pressure, and solitary confinement.
Special attention to women and minors.
The condition of children of political prisoners.
In 2023, the book “Hell of Two and Fifteen” (in Belarusian) was published, presenting the real stories of children whose parents were imprisoned.
A study of social trauma and its consequences for the child’s psyche.
– Documenting cases of patient rights violations in prison.