The older persons are not considered rights holders in the Republic of Moldova and this issue should be addressed. So far, there is no specific law that would promote and protect the rights of older persons. Even if discrimination on the grounds of age, together with other reasons for discrimination, is banned by the specific law adopted in 2012, age discrimination is widespread, said UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons Claudia Mahler, who has paid a ten-day visit to Moldova. In a news conference, the expert encouraged the promotion of human rights of older persons and noted that the Government should address the multiple discriminations faced by older persons.
Claudia Mahler congratulated the Republic of Moldova on the approval of the program on active and healthy aging. It is important that the program and the plan of action should resonate with each other and be implemented from the perspective of human rights. The Government should earmark a sufficient budget for the implementation of specific activities planned for an efficient impact on the life of older persons. The UN expert recommends founding an organism or a national department for the rights of older persons.
Claudia Mahler said that approximately 20% of the older persons in Moldova live in poverty. The women, persons from rural areas and those who work in agriculture and the Roma people are especially vulnerable. Even if the minimum pension was increased in 2022, the pensions remain insufficient to cover the basic needs of older persons so that they lead a decent life. Therefore, many older persons decide to continue working even after they reach the retirement age.
The expert noted that even if each pensioner has health insurance, the approved package of medical services is limited. The accessibility of the health system is not very good primarily in rural areas, while the older persons feel discriminated through this system. Furthermore, the older persons spend two times more money on healthcare, including for medicines, than the average per country. So, the mandatory package should be modified so as to ensure the right to health at the highest possible standard. It is imperative for the Government to recognize the urgency of adapting the health system so as to satisfy the growing needs of the older population.
Claudia Mahler recommends the Republic of Moldova to swiftly ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights so as to enable the private individuals to file complaints at international level about the violation of the economic, social and cultural rights. The preparing of a comprehensive national assessment of older persons’ human rights based on needs would be useful for all the interested parties that work to promote the rights of older persons in Moldova.
Claudia Mahler’s report will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September 2024.
