Political belief is most common reason for discrimination, NGO

Most discrimination cases are based on political belief, as found by the Non-discrimination Coalition following the operation of a Non-discrimination Line 0-8003-8003 during one year, Info-Prim Neo reports. Natalia Podlisnic, lawyer and operator of the Non-discrimination Line, told a news conference Monday that since last May till present the Line received 311 calls, but not all of them were related to discrimination. People of different ages, with different problems, have called. Natalia Podlisnic said that of all people who had called the Green Line, most were denied equal rights due to their political beliefs. “This is the most common criterion of discrimination”, said Natalia Podlisnic. It is followed by discrimination based on age and disability. Other criteria upon which people are being discriminated against are language, ethnic origin, sexual orientation and sex. Out of 311 calls, 200 were made by unemployed people. “It so happens that such people call more often, because they lack the possibility to get a lawyer”, said Natalia Podlisnic. Many callers are people who reached their retirement age, between 56 and 65 years of age (32%). 18% of calls came from people with physical or psychological disabilities. “There are truly frightening cases, and people really want us to help them”, said the Coalition’s jurist. Coalition’s jurist Ana Nani stated that the cases that met the threshold of discrimination were forwarded to the Coalition’s lawyers, who take them to court. One of the cases handled is that of a Ministry of Interior female employee, who is currently on maternity leave and receives only a minimal benefit that is provided to uninsured people, although she had worked at the Ministry for more than 10 years. Another case involves a woman who was fired as soon as her employer found out that she was pregnant. The Non-discrimination Coalition launched the Non-discrimination Line in order to offer counsel and legal assistance for victims of discrimination. The number 08003-8003 is toll-free and confidential, and can be called from any private of public telephone in Moldova, Monday through Friday, between 9am and 6pm.