Organizations working in the area of nondiscrimination in Moldova and Germany exchange good practices in this field based on a partnership established in a conference where there were presented the obstacles faced by the people of the two states, IPN reports.
Germany’s Ambassador to Moldova Ulrike Knotz said ensuring the observance of human rights is one of the greatest accomplishments of Moldovan society. The elimination of discrimination is an important element in the process of coming closer to the EU, while the exchange of experience and opinions increases motivation.
Director of the Office of the Rule of Law Program South East Europe of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Thorsten Geissler said the Program covers ten countries, including Moldova, with the Foundation supporting the strengthening of the democratic and constitutional bodies. “Our mission in strengthening the rule of law does not consist only in strengthening the democratic institutions, but also in providing consultancy for preventing and fighting corruption. We are committed to an open and inclusive society where the dignity of each person is respected, to a society free from discrimination,” stated Thorsten Geissler.
Director of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency Christine Luders said the organization she represents promoted the anonymous job application procedure because many people are not employed for the simple reason that they have a German name or come from states of Southeastern Europe or Saudi Arabia. Germany is below the EU average in terms of differentiated remuneration of men and women, but the Germans have great prejudice against those who come from Southeastern Europe. After the interview with the employer following the anonymous job application procedure, the opinions about employees change considerably. It’s not normal for a person to be discriminated or judges based on the country of origin.
Andrei Brighidin, a member of the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Ensuring of Gender Equality, shared Moldova’s experience, saying the people are discriminated when it is about access to goods and services and access to justice and education. In this connection, the representatives of the Council underlined the necessity of empowering this body to impose fines.
