OSCE-supported training course explores ways to realize effective participation of national minorities in Moldovan public life

The OSCE Mission to Moldova concluded its second training programme for state institutions dealing with the protection of the rights of national minorities and the consolidation of inter-ethnic relations in the country on 16 May 2019. The two-day course focused on the participation of national minorities in public life and built on the positive outcomes of last year’s induction course on human rights and national minorities, which was attended by the same group of participants.

Some 25 staff of the Agency for Inter-ethnic Relations, the Ombudsman’s office and the Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality attended the programme. Led by international expert Professor Frederick John Packer from the University of Ottawa, the training programme introduced the group to the principle and value of inclusion in a diverse society upon which effective participation manifests itself in policy, law, programmes and practices.

During the training course, the participants gained hands-on experience of mapping the challenges for the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities, while the professor introduced affirmative measures necessary to achieve equality, in particular in governance and decision-making, and discussed their practical application.

“Learning about best international practices on the participation of ethnic minorities in public life is key to multiethnic states. We are glad the OSCE Mission enables Moldovan institutions responsible for the protection of national minorities' rights to jointly identify the ways to improve participation of minority groups in public life,” said Vera Petuhov, Deputy General Director, Interethnic Relations Bureau of the Republic of Moldova.

The event coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life and offered an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the recommendations developed by the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities in the Moldovan context.

In line with its mandate, the Mission builds the capacities of state institutions involved in implementing the National Strategy for Consolidation of Inter-ethnic Relations for 2017‒2027. Last year, the Mission facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among the three human rights institutions to strengthen their co-operation, exchange of information, joint research and mutual support. Respect for the rights of national minorities in a society is a litmus test of tolerance and inclusivity, which are in turn important enabling factors for the Transdniestrian settlement process.