The Association “Motivatie”, in partnership with the Serbian Center for Society Orientation-COD, implemented a project to monitor the observance of the rights of persons with disabilities in Moldova. In a news conference at IPN, project coordinator Igor Meriacre, who heads the Association “Motivatie”, said the idea appeared as a result of discussions with persons with disabilities. Though Moldova ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010, with the Law on the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities being passed in two years, the situation of these persons hasn’t changed.
“There are no ramps for wheelchair users. Workplaces weren’t created, while the allowances remained at the same level. The access to education and social and medical services hasn’t improved. Regretfully, there are no mechanisms. We have good legislation and our society would be perfect if it was implemented appropriately,” said Igor Meriacre. He noted that not only the Government, but civil society also should change the mentality. The project monitors were persons with disabilities who discussed with another 149 disabled persons all over the country.
Hubert Duhot, Project Manager at the European Union Delegation to Moldova, said that discrimination on grounds of disability is banned by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This document guarantees these persons’ right to integration. “In the European Union, considerable effort was made and we are very glad that we can also cooperate with Moldova in this field. We congratulate the Association “Motivatie” on the implementation of this unique project in Moldova,” stated Hubert Duhot.
The project aims to contribute to improving the Moldovan legislation on the observance of the rights of persons with disabilities, in compliance with the international standards, and to help the disabled persons to know their rights to study, to work, etc.
The representative of the Center for Society Orientation-COD Milos Milovanovic said the project report represents a guide for all the sides involved in solving the identified problems. “Initially, the monitors and the participants in the project were very pessimistic. After the first monitoring training session, I saw them more optimistic and confident that they can change something. This monitoring report can help them to create a powerful network that would promote their rights,” said Milos Milovanovic. He added that the association he represents will continue to contribute to improving the lives of the persons with disabilities in Moldova.
