The human rights situation in Moldova has worsened in 2020 compared with 2018. Nine in ten respondents consider the human rights are systematically or occasionally violated. The rights to health and social protection are among the least respected rights, alongside the right to a fair trial. The rights of those who take drugs and psycho-active substances, of the sexual minorities (LGBT), detainees and ex-detainees are respected the least, shows the study of the perception of the observance of human rights 2021 that was commissioned by the Ombudsperson’s Office, IPN reports.
In an online event to present the study, Ombudsman for Children’s Rights Maia Bănărescu, who also holds the post of ombudsperson on an interim basis, said the rights to health, education and social protection are considered the three main most topical and important rights that necessitate increased attention on the part of society. “The level of confidence as regards the ensuring of the right to a fair trial for different groups of people remains rather low, the related answers varying primarily between 28% and 48%. It is noticed a continuous rise in the level of confidence in the judicial system compared with the previous studies,” stated Maia Bănărescu.
The study also shows that the population’s awareness of the human rights remains at a relatively low level, with a slight rise compared with the previous years on account of the urban areas. The vulnerable groups, such as the poor, persons with a low level of education, older persons and villagers, remain the least informed. 40.2% of the respondents consider the mass media ensure the observance of the human rights the best, 38.3% said this about the President, by approximately 32% - about the Parliament and judges, 25% - about the NGOs.
The children’s right to education in schools in Moldova is considerably affected by parents’ financial possibilities. Almost half of those polled agreed with such an assertion. Only one in four consider the state ensures everyone’s equal access to education and equal conditions, while the graduation of school offers equal possibilities for students to continue their studies.
Only 1/3 of those questioned consider the state ensures everyone’s equal access to medical services of a high quality. Almost 2/3 of the respondents share the opinion that the person’s economic status is affected by the right to healthcare services.
Over half of the respondents said the population’s right to social protection against the average income remains ensured in Moldova to a small or very small extent. The situation concerning all the categories of incomes improved, with the number of answerers “to a small extent” or “to a very small extent” declining significantly compared with 2018 and 2016.
The study of the perception of the observance of human rights 2021 is the third study commissioned by the Ombudsperson’s Office during the past six years. The research centered primarily on the level of knowledge of human rights, perceptions and experiences of the population as regards the observance of the basic human rights and freedoms. The study covered a sample of 1,006 persons aged 18 and up and was carried out during 24.12.2020 - 25.01.2021.
