The persons and institutions that last year contributed to the protection and promotion of human rights in Moldova were awarded at the 13th UN Gala of Human Rights Awards in Chisinau in the evening of December 6. Organized since 2004 each year on the occasion of International Human Rights Day celebrated on December 10, the UN Gala of Human Rights Awards highlights and awards the most valuable, innovative, effective and participatory initiatives and actions to protect and promote human rights in Moldova, IPN reports.

The 2017 edition included six awards and a special mention for major achievements in the area of human rights.

Veaceslav Turcan from Chisinau was awarded for promoting respect for civil and political rights and professional training of lawyers from Moldova, including those from the left bank of the Nistru River. Maia Taran from Firladeni was awarded for remarkable courage in combating gender-based violence by empowering women and girls at local and national level.

Maria Scorodinschi from Drochia was awarded for remarkable courage in combating gender-based violence by empowering women and girls at local and national level. Maxim Melinti, a priest of the church of Ghidighici commune of Chisinau municipality, was awarded for an inclusive approach and combating stereotypes in his daily work.

The Online News Portal Newsmaker was awarded for pro-active approach, objectivity, accuracy and consistency in addressing human rights issues, while the Arts Centre “Coliseum” for exceptional work on educating minors and adults through theatre, as well as informing and raising awareness about the sexual abuse of minors, violence against women and children, and about the life of detainees.

“Radio Patrin Moldova”, of the Roma community of Soroca, received a special mention for a promising start, perseverance, originality and unique style of approaching the rights of Roma people through radio.

The award winners were selected following an open competition in which 72 applications were submitted. Nominations were subsequently examined by a technical committee, which includes development partners and representatives of civil society. At the next stage, a Board of six representatives of the UN, human rights institutions and development partners approved the awards.