The United Nations in Moldova on December 8 marked with awards outstanding achievements in human rights in Moldova in 2016. Organized since 2004 each year on the occasion of International Human Rights Day celebrated on December 10, the UN Gala of Human Rights Awards highlights and awards the most valuable, innovative, effective and participatory initiatives and actions to protect and promote human rights in Moldova, IPN reports.

An award was given to Dmitry Kuzuk, head of the Bender-based foundation “World of equal opportunities”, for his outstanding activity in social inclusion and combating stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination against people with disabilities. Kuzuk has won a number of gold medals at international table tennis competitions for para-athletes.

“Low Vision” Association was awarded for its outstanding activity on social inclusion of persons with visual impairments on both sides of the Nistru River. Keystone International Association in Moldova received an award for outstanding support in development of community services for people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, while Natalia Vozian for her brave and innovative initiative DARE Leaders Academy, the first leadership program for people with disabilities in Moldova.

Canal Regional was awarded for the series of talk-shows “Sanse Egale” (Equal Opportunities) on human rights and discriminated groups in Moldova. The Legal Resources Center of Moldova was awarded for substantial contribution in justice reforms, and improvement of domestic legislation on public funding of nongovernmental organizations (“Law 2%”).

The award winners were selected following an open competition in which 24 applications were submitted. Nominations were subsequently examined by a technical committee, which includes development partners and representatives of civil society.