The most valuable actions to promote and defend human rights in Moldova were honored at the 2023 UN Human Rights Prizes Gala on Friday. This year’s competition included the prize for outstanding achievements in the field of human rights at the national or local level, the prize for outstanding achievements in human rights in supporting the refugee crisis response. Also, the UN handed out an award for outstanding achievements in the field of human rights through active involvement in promoting the participation of young people.
Simon Springett, UN Moldova Resident Coordination, noted that the United Nations Office in Moldova has celebrated outstanding human rights actions by organizations or individuals since 2004, except for one or two years.
“Human rights defenders and civil society organizations play a crucial role in the context of respect for human rights. We have seen cooperation between central, local authorities and civil society organizations. We have seen the delivery of quality services, we have seen the special attention that has been given to vulnerable people in our societies. We also saw citizen activists who made their voices heard, those who promoted equality and non-discrimination and many other things. Those who defend human rights are people who assume a great responsibility”, declared Simon Springett.
MP Angela Munteanu-Pojoga, secretary of the Human Rights Commission, said that the initiative to encourage and promote innovative and creative actions in the field of human rights is extremely important. “Every year on December 10, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that the recognition of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of humanity is the foundation of freedom, justice and, ultimately, peace throughout the world. It means that state institutions, international institutions, legal institutions and civil society step by step are successfully building a future based on our common values of equality and human dignity. Respect for human rights is in the interest of all of us, each of us can and must act in our daily life to defend the rights of the people around us”, declared Angela Munteanu-Pojoga.
Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, said that the most important source of risk for human rights is the fact that “most of the time, we do not call things by their names and do not tackle structural problems”. Alexei Buzu expressed his hope that this year the Ministry and the Government “turned the page a little” both on the issue of violence against girls and women, and on the issues related to the poverty of children, people with disabilities. “I am very happy that the citizens of Moldova, my colleagues from the civil society in moments of crisis faced and helped the refugees from Ukraine, helped vulnerable communities, people with disabilities, children who are at risk”, said the minister.
Individually nominated and self-nominated organizations and individuals this year were evaluated according to several criteria: impact on human rights, innovation, creativity, dedication, courage in addressing difficult issues, professionalism and compliance with the highest ethical standards.
The prize for outstanding achievements in the field of human rights at the national or local level was awarded to the National Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The second winner is the LGBT activist Angelica Frolov. The prize for outstanding achievement in supporting the refugee crisis response went to the DIA Youth Diabetes Association. The prize for outstanding achievements and active involvement in promoting youth participation was awarded to the Balti and Sîngerei Youth Fund.
The 17th edition of the UN Human Rights Prizes Gala was held in the context of the International Human Rights Day, celebrated worldwide on December 10.
