Critical View on HIV/AIDS in South African Prisons Within the Framework of the Dublin Declaration on HIV/AIDS in Prisons

• NCJ Number: 210631
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 71-89
• Author(s): W. F. M. Luyt
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
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Annotation

This article analyzes how countries outside of Europe and Central Asia, particularly South Africa, can meet the guidelines set forth in the Dublin Declaration regarding the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in prisons.

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has become a serious problem within prisons across the world, prompting the February 2004 Dublin Declaration on HIV/AIDS in Prisons, which provided a framework for an effective response to HIV/AIDS in prisons within Europe and Central Asia. Some of the fundamental principles of the Dublin Declaration assert that prison inmates are part of local communities and have a right to the standards of health care equivalent to that available in the community. Each of the eight principles of the Dublin Declaration is explained, followed by an outline of the framework for action presented in the Declaration. Eleven articles comprise the framework; the articles underscore the rights of prisoners to protect themselves from HIV infection, as well as to maintain and promote their own health. Following the presentation of each Dublin Declaration article is an outline of State responsibilities in upholding each article. South Africa, while it has made more strides toward prisoner health than other countries, faces a long road to align prison and public health. The Department of Correctional Services should move quickly to estimate the true state of HIV/AIDS infection within South African prisons. Public/private cooperation is recommended to work effectively toward the requirements presented in the Dublin Declaration. Endnotes, bibliography