The ombudsman considers a human rights activist representing civil society should form part of the Commission for Exceptional Situations (CES). In a letter to the Commission, the ombudsman says such a move would contribute to taking decisions under an approach based on human rights, IPN reports.

The ombudsman noted the inclusion of a human rights activist in the Commission for providing expertise and consultancy in the field of human rights, without this being involved in the decision-making process, will help bring essential benefits to the activity of the Commission and the Government.

The letter says the law on the declaring of a state of emergency, siege or war does not oblige the responsible authorities to include representatives of civil society or human rights defenders in the Commission for Exceptional Situations. However, the acceptance of this proposal could represent a gesture of openness on the part of the authorities, which would be appreciated by the members of society, national human rights activists and Moldova’s international partners.