The United Nations Organization launched its first internship program for persons from vulnerable groups in Moldova. The key objective of the new program is to put in practice the UN message of non-discrimination and inclusion, as well as to stimulate other organizations and institutions in Moldova to follow the example and develop more similar diversity internship opportunities, IPN reports.
According to the initiators of the program, internships for persons from underrepresented groups – such as ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV etc. - can not only open new opportunities and contribute to better social inclusion, but also substantially increase acceptance attitudes within recipient organizations and institutions.
“It is very symbolic that today, on the international Zero Discrimination Day, UN Moldova launches its Diversity Internships Program, an innovative and unique in its kind measure to boost the inclusiveness of the United Nations Organization. Through this program we hope to welcome into the UN staff women and men from Moldova’s most under-represented groups: persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV, Roma and other ethno-linguistic minorities – first as interns, but later eventually as colleagues and new friends,” said Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.
A recent study by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) demonstrated that direct contact with persons from underrepresented groups considerably reduces social distance and increases social inclusion.
“Our main task is to promote human rights and freedoms and we indeed support the internship program launched today. This is a bridge for the future employment of the beneficiaries, and we will follow this example and we will make a call to other authorities to do the same. We strive for an inclusive society,” said Laura Grecu, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family.
During the launch event, the UN Diversity Internships Program was presented, and a call was made to Moldovan NGOs, public authorities, business entities, media outlets and other organizations to consolidate their diversity efforts and publicly take a commitment to create at least one similar internship opportunity for a duration of 1-2 months.
