Status of a particularly vulnerable groups in the prison system

Iako su zatvorenicima sva temeljna prava zajamčena, oduzeto im je pravo na slobodu te ih to čini ranjivom skupinom. U zatvorskom sustavu postoje i skupine sa specifičnim potrebama te se zbog toga smatraju posebno ranjivima. Ranjive skupine su one koje zbog svoje prirode, bolesti ili starostu imaju nepovoljniji položaj u usporedbi s ostalim zatvorenicima, odnosno to su zatvorenici koji su, zbog dobi, spola, etničke pripadnosti, zdravstvenog, pravnog ili političkog statusa, suočeni s povećanim rizikom za svoju sigurnost ili dobrobit (Penal Reform International, 2004). Suprotno općoj percepciji, takve ranjive skupine ne čine samo mali dio zatvorske populacije jer njihov udio u zatvorskom sustavu brzo raste (Murdoch i Jirička, 2016). Prilikom ulaska u zatvorski sustav potrebno je identificirati potrebe takvih skupina te u skladu s tim prilagoditi način postupanja i reagiranja. Kao i prema svakom zatvoreniku, potrebno je postupati na čovječan i dostojanstven način poštujući njegova prava (UNODC, 2009). Zaštita ljudskih prava ranjivih zatvorenika mora postati sastavni dio upravljanja zatvorom kako bi se stvorilo sigurno i pravedno okruženje za njihov boravak u zatvoru. Cilj ovog rada je dati pregled o nekim ranjivim skupinama u zatvorskom sustavu, odnosno o njihovim specifičnim potrebama i odgovorima zatvorskog sustava na te potrebe. U radu će biti obuhvaćeno ukupno šest posebno ranjivih skupina. To su: žene, osobe starije životne dobi, stranci, LGBT zajednica, osobe s invaliditetom te osobe s poteškoćama mentalnog zdravlja. Budući da je navedenim skupinama potreban drugačiji pristup i često su izložene kršenju prava zbog svoje ranjivosti, ovaj rad će obuhvatiti specifične potrebe tih zatvorenika te mjere i prakse koje se provode u različitim zemljama. Također, bit će prikazana situacija u zatvorskom sustavu Republike Hrvatske te mogućnosti adekvatnog odgovora zatvorskog sustava na specifične potrebe zatvorenika.While all fundamental rights are guaranteed to prisoners, their right to freedom has been deprived, making them a vulnerable group. Within the prison system, there are also groups with specific needs, which is why they are considered particularly vulnerable. Vulnerable groups are those who, due to their nature, illness, or old age, have a disadvantaged position compared to other inmates, i.e., inmates who, due to age, gender, ethnicity, health, legal, or political status, are at an increased risk to their security or well-being (Penal Reform International, 2004). Contrary to the general perception, such vulnerable groups do not constitute only a small part of the prison population because their share in the prison system is rapidly increasing (Murdoch and Jirička, 2016). Upon entry into the prison system, it is necessary to identify needs of these groups and accordingly adapt the approach and response. As with any prisoner, it is necessary to treat them in a humane and dignified manner, respecting their rights (UNODC, 2009). The protection of the human rights of vulnerable prisoners must become an integral part of prison management in order to create a safe and just environment for their stay in prison. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of some vulnerable groups in the prison system, specifically their needs and the responses of the prison system to these needs. The paper will cover a total of six particularly vulnerable groups: women, elderly individuals, foreigners, the LGBT community, persons with disabilities and individuals with mental health issues. Since these groups require a different approach and their rights are often violated, this paper will encompass the specific needs of these inmates and the measures and practices implemented in various countries. Additionally, the situation in the prison system of the Republic of Croatia will be presented, along with the possibilities of an adequate response by the prison system to the specific needs of inmates