In Moldova, society is powerfully polarized based on linguistic criteria. The authorities should make effort for the linguistic issue not to be polarized or much too serious controversies can arise in society, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues Rita Izsák-Ndiaye said in a news conference given after a ten-day vsit to Moldova, IPN reports.

The Special Rapporteur noted that tension was seen in society lately owing to the political instability and powerful polarization of the linguistic area. The Republic of Moldova is diverse from ethnic and cultural viewpoints and this must be seen as a value. At the same time, the authorities must help the new generation to easier understand and accept the diversity of society by including information about the ethnic groups and cultures present in Moldova in the history textbooks.

Rita Izsák-Ndiaye also said that the Interethnic Relations Bureau is seen as the main body that must promote the policies intended for the minorities, but this institution must be strengthened. The Council for Ensuring Equality plays an important role and this should be given broader powers, like to impose penalties or to file challenges to the Constitutional Court.

According to the Special Rapporteur, owing to the lack of financing the plan of action for integrating the Roma wasn’t fully implemented. Of the 48 community coordinators who were to be employed, only ten work now. Among the Romanies, the school abandonment rate is high. Many Roma ethnics do not have identification papers.

The authorities are urged to develop a mechanism for promoting the rights of the minorities, to broadcast more information in the languages of the minorities and to recognize the role of community mediators in the settlements populated by Roma ethnics.

Rita Izsák-Ndiaye will present her full report on the mission to Moldova to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017.