A video shooting about direction of people to forced “treatment” against alcoholism
Alcoholics and drug addicts being sent to an ATC
The Human Rights Centre "Viasna" received a small video about the direction of a group of people who allegedly suffer from alcoholism to activity therapy centres. The video was shot at the end of 2014 near the detention center in Akrestsin Street.
One can clearly see those how new people are directed to forced labor under the guise of treatment for alcoholism.
The mechanism of getting into the activity therapy centers (LTP) is quite simple: after the police draw several reports under Article 17.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (drinking alcohol, soft drinks and beer in public places), or other offenses in the state of alcohol intoxication during a year, the court can issue an order for the forced “treatment”.
After this a group of citizens is formed and taken to one of the nine ATCs operating in the country.
Belarusian human rights activists have consistently spoken out against forced labor and for the abolition of the therapy centers. In 2013, the International Federation for Human Rights and the Human Rights Centre "Viasna" prepared a report "Solid violations of labor rights and forced labor in Belarus". Its findings are completely consistent with the recommendations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted on the results of a review of the situation in Belarus in November 2013.
The UN Committee calls on Belarus to abolish forced labor of people with alcohol and drug addiction, who are kept in the so-called “activity therapy centres” against their will. Experts recommend Belarus to abandon punitive approach and focus on the social rehabilitation of people who need care and support, in accordance with the requirements of the promotion and protection of human rights. Belarus is to give citizens the right to free choice of employment and to ensure fair and safe working conditions.
