A Memorandum of Understanding on the protection and promotion of the rights of national minorities in Moldova was signed by the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality on November 15, 2018. The ceremony took place on the premises of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, which facilitated the development of the document, IPN reports, quoting a press release of the Mission.
The Memorandum of Understanding is an effective tool to support the implementation of the National Strategy for the Consolidation of Interethnic Relations till 2027, which was adopted by the Moldovan Government in 2017. It sets a framework for strengthening the co-operation between the three national human rights institutions through regular meetings, the exchange of information, joint research and mutual support.
“The OSCE Mission to Moldova together with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities supported the commendable efforts of the Moldovan Government to develop the Strategy, which seeks to create an inclusive and tolerant society in Moldova. This kind of environment, where human rights, including the rights of national minorities, are respected, builds a strong foundation for the settlement process,” Claus Neukirch, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, said during the signing ceremony.
The Memorandum of Understanding was developed as part of an OSCE Mission project to strengthen the co-operation and capacity of actors in promoting and protecting the rights of national minorities.
