OSCE Mission supports training for lawyers to strengthen a culture of inclusivity and tolerance in Moldova

The OSCE Mission to Moldova enhanced the capacities of 100 legal professionals to effectively defend the rights of minorities and contribute to a more inclusive society at four training sessions from 14 November to 7 December 2018. The events took place in four different regions of Moldova, including the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. They were organized in co-operation with the Lawyers’ Training Centre of the Moldovan Bar Association.

During the training, the participants learned about international and national legal standards in the area of national minorities’ rights. They also enhanced their capacity to deal with complainants and provide effective remedies for persons belonging to minority groups. 

The lawyers worked on case law and gained practical experience in promoting and protecting rights related to minorities’ access to justice, information and employment. They were familiarized with the competences, practices and decisions of the key National Human Rights Institutions. These included the OSCE-facilitated Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the People’s Advocate (Office of the Ombudsperson) and the Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality on 15 November 2018.

The OSCE Mission to Moldova supports the efforts of the Moldovan Government to implement the National Strategy for Consolidation of Interethnic Relations for 2017‒2027. The Strategy, developed with the participation of the Mission and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, seeks to promote inclusivity and tolerance in Moldova, which are important preconditions for achieving the end state of the Transdniestrian settlement process.