OSCE enhances capacity and co-operation of agencies promoting and protecting rights of national minorities in Moldova

The OSCE’s Mission to Moldova organized a two-day training course on access to healthcare by minority groups on 22 November 2019 in Chisinau. More than 25 representatives of the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the Ombudsman’s office and the Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality completed the course. The course is part of an effort to establish a coalition of public agencies implementing the National Strategy for Consolidation of Interethnic Relations.

Professor Frederick John Packer, Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa, guided the participants in a discussion on core concepts and key elements of the right to healthcare. The workshop also helped participants look at health issues from a human-rights perspective and take into account the impact of different healthcare services on minority groups. The 2018 Ombudsperson’s Report on Human Right Protection in Moldova recommended reviewing state healthcare policies through a human rights-based approach to better respond to the people’s needs.

Over the past two years, the Mission has been working with the three human rights agencies to improve their co-operation and capacity in promoting and protecting the rights of national minorities in Moldova. Earlier workshops organized by the Mission highlighted the importance of inclusion and participation of minorities in public life through their representation on consultative and decision-making bodies. The Mission also supported drafting a road map on public communication and visibility for the Agency for Interethnic Relations, a major driving force for the implementation of the Strategy.

Respect for the rights of national minorities in a society promotes tolerance and inclusivity, which are important enabling factors for the Transdniestrian settlement process.