OSCE-supported webinars discuss role of lawyers, NGO and media representatives in preserving diverse societies in times of COVID-19

More than 60 lawyers, NGO and media representatives from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River participated in three online webinars on non-discrimination, inter-ethnic relations and national minorities, held in late November and early December 2020. They were organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova and delivered by Professor Frederick John Packer, Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa.  

In his March recommendations to the OSCE participating States, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities noted: “As governments rush to introduce emergency measures, it is also vital that they remember to include the needs of everyone in society, including persons belonging to national minorities and other marginalized communities.”

In line with these recommendations, the Mission’s webinars provided civil society actors guidance on how they can support national minorities in enjoying basic human rights, especially to accurate, easy-to-understand and timely information. Highlighting the importance of preserving the freedom of the press, Professor Packer provided practical tips on how to report on inter-ethnic relations without unwittingly contributing to escalation or perpetuation. Webinars with lawyers had a special focus on ways to ensure access to justice and public/private information in minority languages, including in the courts, in times of COVID-19.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been struggling with the methods that youth organizations can apply to promote inter-ethnic harmony. During the webinar we received relevant information, which will help us in our daily activities,” said Nikolay Kelesh, President of the National Youth Council of Moldova.

Over the past two years, the Mission has been working with the state and non-state institutions to improve their co-operation and capacity in protecting the rights of national minorities in the Republic of Moldova – key to promoting tolerance and inclusivity, which are important enabling factors for the Transdniestrian settlement process.