The Office of the People’s Advocate will be the beneficiary of a €800,000 Council of Europe project aimed at strengthening the defense of human rights in Moldova.

People’s Advocate Ceslav Panico emphasized at the project presentation event that in a society where the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens are essential pillars of democracy, continuing consolidating the ombudsman as a key institution in the promotion and protection of human rights in Moldova is essential. “Through this partnership with the Council of Europe, the Office of the People’s Advocate is firmly committed to strengthening and promoting the institution’s independence and effectiveness. This moment is an important step in aligning with European standards in the field of human rights and strengthening the rule of law”.

Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Moldova, noted that the institution of the ombudsman has evolved, becoming an integral part of the modern model of good governance, serving as a guardian of human rights and offering people a way of redress in cases of alleged human rights violations. Through its activity, the ombudsman institution plays an essential role in supporting and promoting the principles of human rights and democracy.

The first stage of the project, which will take place in the period 2024-2025, will focus on improving the management of the Office of the People’s Advocate, digitizing services and including elements of artificial intelligence in the system of data collection and analysis and interaction with citizens through alternative digital mechanisms. At the same time, the relationship with the European Court of Human Rights and the promotion of human rights throughout society will be strengthened.