NGOs, state institutions and individuals received awards from UN Moldova for remarkable achievements in the field of human rights, IPN reports.

UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova, Nicola Harrington-Buhay, said during the award ceremony that every year on December 10, the Human Rights Day, the most important and impressive feats in the field of human rights are honored with awards and it's a chance to recognize and appreciate those who put effort into making human rights a reality for the most vulnerable people.

The recipients were selected based on public consultations assessment by national human rights experts. The 2014 edition had 6 awards for the major human rights achievements of the year.

The Human Rights Information Center (CIDO) received an award for perseverance in monitoring human rights and for awareness raising. Another recipient of the award is the “Pro Succes” Lyceum in Chisinau – a primary and secondary school – thanks to its success in the real and practical implementation of inclusive education models by bringing disabled children into ordinary educational environments, with the necessary support for them to succeed in common classrooms with other children.

The NGO “Motivation” received an award for its revolutionary work in supporting equality for disabled people. Another award went to Svetlana Mironova, head of the Office of the Moldovan Center for Human Rights (the Ombudsman's Office) in the autonomous region of Gagauzia, for her exemplary efforts in raising human rights awareness among the Gagauz people.

Another award-winner is Natalia Bordan, an activist who contributed to the empowerment of disabled people in Bender. Human rights lawyer Violeta Gasitoi received an award for excellence in the protection of victims of gender violence.

Honorary diplomas for promoting and defending human rights have been awarded to Nicolae Buceatchi, editor-in-chief of the newspaper “The Human Rights”, Elena Scutary, founder and manager of the MARA Woman Association, and Simion Sarbu, head of the Artemida organization in Drochia.

The UN Awards Gala started in 2004 and each year, on December 10, it highlights and awards the most valuable, innovative, efficient and participative initiatives and actions for defending and promoting human rights in Moldova.