UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri, at the end of her visit to Chisinau, noted Moldova’s remarkable diversity – ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic – and the need to cultivate this diversity in the interest of strengthening Moldova’s democracy, the principle of non-discrimination and minority rights being central to this effort, IPN reports.

In a news conference on April 11, Flavia Pansieri said she reminded the authorities of the importance to stand firm on the side of equality and inclusivity, and to publicly affirm and act – both in Moldova and in the international arena – on the right to non-discrimination on all grounds.

“I was informed of the Government’s plans to establish formally the pilot Ombudsperson for Psychiatry and to pay for it from the state budget. I see this measure as an innovative way to addressing concerns linked to human rights of persons in institutions, and reiterate that the Ombudsperson should be given access to all facilities where persons with disabilities are currently institutionalized,” stated Flavia Pansieri.

She noted that Moldova has taken important steps to combat violence against women, including domestic violence, rape and trafficking for sex work. She discussed with the authorities the need to stop punishing women who sell sex.

Flavia Pansieri said that her attention was also drawn to the need to depoliticize and simplify the process of registering civil society organizations. “Vibrant civil society is crucial to a robust system of human rights protection. I also note the need to heighten significantly the role of women in elected public life, including women from marginalized segments of society, such as Romani women and women with disabilities,” she stated.

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri undertook an official visit to the Republic of Moldova from 8 to 11 April. She had meetings with the country’s leadership.