Convictus was founded in Sweden in 1986 by activists, journalists and social workers who decided to join efforts to combat the HIV epidemic and provide support to vulnerable populations.

Convictus has been operating the centres for HIV-positive, drug users, alcohol dependent and homeless in Stockholm for 35 years. These people are given an opportunity to start their lives again and improve their emotional state and health.

Convictus Estonia was established in October 2002 with the support of Convictus Sweden. The organization is engaged in harm reduction programs, drug counselling, prison reintegration, and peer support groups for HIV-positive people. Convictus Estonia actively participates in campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs.

In 2006, Convictus started its operations in Ukraine. With the support of Convictus Sweden and the Sida International Development and Cooperation Agency, a group of Ukrainian activists began to support the social reintegration of persons given alternative sentences for drug offences.

In 2008, Convictus Ukraine launched HIV prevention programs for the most at-risk populations of Kyiv. Shortly after that, the Convictus Community Centre was opened to provide anonymous and free counselling and advice, personal protective equipment, and individual problem-solving assistance to people vulnerable to HIV. The Organization also started outreach and street work among drug users and sex workers.

In 2009, Convictus Ukraine expanded its reach to small towns and villages of the Kyiv region focusing on HIV prevention and support. Today, HIV prevention and treatment programs are among our top priorities and cover over 15,000 people in Ukraine annually. Convictus consulting centres operate in different parts of the capital city and offer quality care and support, comprehensive HIV information, rapid testing, and assistance with dispensary registration and HIV treatment for at-risk populations.

In 2010, the Halfway House was established within the Three-Step Probation and Post-Prison Reintegration Program in Ukraine Project funded by SIDA and supported by the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and the State Department of Ukraine for Execution of Sentences. This is a unique institution with a targeted program, free of charge and free from any political or religious bias, that facilitates social integration of women released from prison. Over the years, the integration program has proved effective and demonstrated to the local government that addressing the needs of women in crisis should be among top priorities. In 2017, the Halfway House was transferred to the Kharkiv Oblast and receives local funding to continue its operations as initially planned under the project funded by the government of Sweden. Today, the Centre successfully operates and helps women make a smooth transition to life outside.

In 2013, Convictus Ukraine expanded its operations, programs and projects into new areas. Investing in organizational capacity opened doors to new opportunities and new partnerships.

In 2016, Convictus Ukraine launched programs aimed at countering domestic and gender-based violence and assisting internally displaced women. The Organization engaged into advocacy to promote public participation in policymaking and ensure sustainability of services and projects developed in the framework of international aid programmes. In addition, Convictus Ukraine started a new activity aimed at counteracting discrimination and ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

2016 marked the beginning of an incredibly important activity, preventing HIV among children and youth who use drugs. Our organization opened the STREET POWER youth club that offers a wide range of services for adolescents in difficult life circumstances, including HIV testing, health care and social support, harm reduction training, therapy, legal advice, fun games, hobby classes and leisure activities. We also teach courses and organize events at schools and colleges to prevent the spread of deadly diseases and promote safe sexual practices.

Today, Convictus Ukraine is committed to ensuring equal rights to healthcare and social security and improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations. We have a wide network of partners among government and public sector organizations that are open to cooperation in achieving a common goal.