The European Union has asked Moldova to take measures to improve conditions in prisons in line with international standards and to effectively sanction any act of ill-treatment and torture in detention facilities. The call was made at the thirteenth round of the annual Human Rights Dialogue organized by the European Union and the Republic of Moldova in Brussels, the EU Delegation to Moldova said in a press release.

The participants agreed on the importance of further strengthening the legal framework for non-discrimination, in particular by removing existing legislative deficiencies and by supporting Moldova’s commitments to strengthen gender equality and combat gender-based violence.

The EU welcomed the progress made by Moldova in deinstitutionalizing the child care system and in adopting a new Child Protection Program and a new Action Plan for 2022-2026. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to continue reforming the media environment, particularly with regard to the concentration of media ownership and the lack of transparency.

The participants welcomed the new strategic stage of EU-Moldova relations after the European Council granted Moldova candidate country status. Renewed efforts are now expected from the Moldovan authorities to strengthen the respect, protection and realization of human rights.

The next human rights dialogue between the EU and the Republic of Moldova is planned to take place in Chisinau in 2023.