Ombudspersons’ representatives from both banks strengthen monitoring techniques for public emergencies through webinars organized by OSCE Mission to Moldova

Twenty-five representatives of the ombudspersons’ institutions from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River participated in two joint human rights monitoring webinars organized by the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 14 and 15 September 2021.

“By engaging both ombudspersons' offices in these training webinars, we seek to build understanding and co-operation,” said David Gullette, Human Rights Programme Manager in the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “This is essential for strengthening the protection of human rights of all people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. This is particularly important during the pandemic, when new challenges have emerged and require a common approach.”

Participants discussed the role of human rights institutions in public emergencies and the monitoring process, and shared their experiences and current challenges. They also learned about standard operating procedures in the field of human rights monitoring and actively worked together in small groups combining representatives from the ombudsperson institutions from both banks.

“Representatives of my office highly appreciated the discussions held during the training courses and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with modern methodologies for monitoring human rights, including healthcare,” said Olga Vacarciuc, Secretary General of the Ombudsperson's Office of the Republic of Moldova. “Equally important was the opportunity to exchange information and experiences, and establish a dialogue with the representatives of the Ombudsperson's Office on the left bank of Dniester/Nistru River.”

“Participating in these kinds of courses allows each of us on both banks to exchange our practical experiences in human rights activities, establish contacts between institutions and apply the knowledge we have gained to further our activities,” said Veaceslav Kosinsky, the Transdniestrian Ombudsperson. “The Ombudsperson of Transdniestria is looking forward to further co-operation with both the OSCE Mission and the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Moldova.”

The joint webinars follow on from the first joint training event conducted by the Mission for the two ombudspersons’ offices in 2019, which focused on the general principles of monitoring. The training courses took place in the context of the Mission’s project aimed at building confidence on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River through enhancing local capacities and strengthening the protection of human rights.