Parliament of Moldova can be proud of its many legislative successes, UN Resident

“Looking back at 2012, the Parliament can be proud of its many legislative successes in improving lives by honoring human rights and development commitments”, said UN Resident Coordinator Nicola Harrington-Buhay, who addressed today members of the Parliament on the work of the United Nations in Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. Nicola Harrington-Buhay said that this year saw important steps to protect people living with HIV/AIDS, to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities and better include Roma people in all spheres of life. The 2013-2017 United Nations-Republic of Moldova Partnership Framework “Towards Unity in Action” supports Moldova’s priorities and development challenges in three main areas: (1) democratic governance, justice, equality and human rights; (2) human development and social inclusion; and (3) environment, climate change and disaster risk management. Speaking about priorities for 2013, Ms. Harrington-Buhay noted the amendments to be made by the Parliament to the National Human Rights Action Plan, the Laws on Gender Equality and on Electoral Financing which will provide a golden opportunity to accelerate women’s representation in politics and the economy, and the abolishing of solitary confinement for child offenders. She also mentioned the role and leadership of the Parliament on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and better integration of refugees and migrants in the society as well as the policy expertise and practical experience the UN team can provide in support of Parliament’s legislative work. The UN has been supporting the Parliament of Moldova since 2006 through a programme funded by the Governments of Denmark and Sweden that builds parliamentary capacity for consultations with constituents and civil society, for the drafting of legislation and budget reviews and for the oversight of policy implementation. This is the second speech by the UN in the Parliament, after the one in 2005 focusing on the role of Parliament in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The United Nations established a presence in the Republic of Moldova soon after the country joined the United Nations in 1992.