On 8th December, in advance of the International Human Rights Day, the United Nations in Moldova along with its partners during the UN Human Rights Gala announced the winners of the UN Human Rights Awards for outstanding achievements in the human rights area in the Republic of Moldova in the period 2022 - 2023 during the 17th edition of the competition.
Promoting and standing up for human rights is one of the main priorities of the United Nations in Moldova. Beginning with 2004, the UN Country Team in Moldova has annually awarded the best actions to promote and protect human rights on both banks of Nistru river, except for the year 2020 which was marked by a public health emergency, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022, when all efforts were focused on supporting the refugee response.
“This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For 75 years, the core ambition of the Declaration has been to defend equality, fundamental freedoms, and justice. Today, the United Nations in Moldova are proud to publicly recognise the importance and the impact of the work of human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and civil society in Moldova during the period 2022-2023 within its annual Human Rights competition. I call on everyone to put human rights at the core of all action and apply the at all times everywhere.” highlighted Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of UN Moldova.
The UN Human Rights competition of 2023 has three categories of awards, the winners of which are as follows:
- General Award for an Outstanding Human Rights Achievement at national and/or local level between January 2022 and 6 November 2023 - A. O Centrul Național de Prevenire a Abuzului față de Copii (A.O.CNPAC) and Angela Frolov, an open lesbian activist.
- Special Award for Outstanding Human Rights Achievement in supporting the refugee response between February 2022 and 6 November 2023 – Asociatia Tinerilor cu Diabet DIA.
- Special Award for Outstanding Human Rights Achievement for active involvement in the promotion of youth participation between January 2022 and 6 November 2023 – Fondul pentru Tineri Bălți și Sîngerei/A.O Caroma-Nord.
"I am pleased to note that I come from the civil society field where I fought and continue to fight already in my current position to ensure human rights for all. This is not always easy given the crises the country is facing that certainly affects the population, especially the most vulnerable ones. I would like to call representatives of the civil society organizations, human rights defenders and activists to continue their efforts for ensuring human rights for every woman, man and child from Moldova." mentioned Alexie Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.
The annual competition „UN Human Rights Awards” is a public, transparent and impartial competition in which every individual or entity can participate by self-nominating or suggesting a nomination in accordance with the categories of awards announced and in line with the regulation of the competition.
The candidates for the UN Human Rights Awards 2023 were evaluated by the Independent Awards Board against the following criteria:
- Human rights impact;
- Innovation and creativity;
- Dedication and commitment;
- Bravery in addressing difficult themes or issues;
- Outreach and visibility;
- Professionalism and compliance with the highest standards of ethics.
“We are thankful for the appreciation of our organization as a human rights advocate. For us this is not only an award, it is also a confirmation of our commitment, as well as the commitment of United Nations to promote human rights. Also, this award is for us a motivation to continue to work on achievement of the mission of our organization in the future”, said Daniela Simboteanu, President of the National Center for Prevention of Abuse Against Children, winner of the General Award for an Outstanding Human Rights Achievement at national and/or local level.
The selection panel of the UN Human Rights Awards 2023 included four members: representatives of UN Human Rights Office in Moldova, British Embassy in Moldova, People’s Advocate Office, and National Media Center for Youth delegates.
The UN Human Rights Gala 2023 was organized with the support of the Resident Coordinator Office and eight UN agencies: OHCHR, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, UNAIDS, UNHCR and WHO.
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