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Story
11 December 2024
Changing social behaviours for the rights of Roma
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Video
11 December 2024
UN special award for an outstanding human rights achievement in protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially children belonging to marginalized groups 2024
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Video
11 December 2024
UN Special award for remarkable achievement in promoting gender equality and women empowerment 2024
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Moldova
In September 2015, the Republic of Moldova, alongside with 192 Member States of the United Nations committed to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future having at its heart the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The National Development Strategy "European Moldova 2030" (NDS) as well as the Government Action Plan ”Building a European Moldova” describe the short, medium and long-term strategic development vision of the country synchronizing the priorities, objectives, indicators and targets of international commitments taken by the Republic of Moldova, including the ones set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the national context.
The Sustainable Development Goals are being monitored and evaluated by the United Nations Country Team through the Country Results Reports developed in coordination with the Government.
As of 2022, the Government has committed to monitor and report annually on the level of achievement of the SDGs in the country which allows the state to make necessary interventions to adjust and/or accelerate the pace of SDGs implementation.
Publication
23 September 2024
Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact & Declaration on Future Generations
World leaders adopt a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact covers a broad range of themes including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance.
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Publication
23 September 2024
Resolve: Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization 2024
The present report shows that, despite the difficulties, progress is possible, and change is achievable.Despite the obstacles in their way, the staff of the United Nations' commitment to a better, brighter future shines through in all that they do. Their resolve is to achieve results for the people of the world and to deliver the help and the hope that every person deserves – and that the human family needs today, more than ever.Download the Introduction [PDF, 2MB]
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Publication
29 April 2024
Leveraging the Synergies of the EU Accession and the SDGs for the Sustainable Development of Moldova
The United Nations in Moldova, the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the EU Delegation have mapped the synergies between the EU accession process and the SDGs under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to the analysis, there is a strong complementarity and synergy between the EU accession agenda, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs as mutually reinforcing processes. The mapping shows that 128 SDG targets (76%) are connected to individual EU accession negotiation chapters or clusters. Moreover, out of 111 of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2027 indicators, 93% are linked to the policy recommendations from the 2023 European Commission (EC) report.
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Publication
05 June 2024
Assessment of knowledge gaps in the electoral field and level of civic engagement
The overall objective of the survey was to identify knowledge gaps and to assess the level of civic engagement of the population with a focus on certain vulnerable groups.The survey was based on a poll in a sample, which was national-level and representative of general adult population, covered all regions of Moldova and included both urban and rural residents; it was supplemented by two boost samples – those of persons with disabilities and Roma people. The focus group was adult population aged 18 or older, persons with disabilities and Roma people from 160 localities. A total of 1,507 respondents were interviewed face-to-face at home, including 1,158 persons representing general public and additionally 192 ethnic Roma and 157 persons with disabilities. Thus, the applied method was that of layered semi-probability sampling with four sampling steps. The error margin for a sample of this size representing general public is ± 3%. The information was gathered between 27 October and 30 December 2023.The survey also included a qualitative component. Six focus group discussions were held to this end with an average of 7.5 participants per group. The total number of focus group discussions participants was 45. The discussions were held with the groups of young people representing rural and urban residents, women, older people, people with disabilities, and Roma people.
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Publication
02 July 2024
Ukraine Situation - Moldova: Inter-Agency Operational Update (Quarter 1 - 2024)
The first quarter of 2024 witnessed important achievements regarding the overall situation of refugees from Ukraine in Moldova. On February 28, 2024, the Moldovan Government approved the extension of Temporary Protection (TP) until March 1, 2025. This decision addressed key advocacy points raised by the RRP sectors and partners in 2023, building upon the initial government decision from January 2023.
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Story
11 December 2024
Changing social behaviours for the rights of Roma
The focus of their volunteer assignments—to work with Roma communities in the Republic of Moldova and promote their integration into UN programmes and initiatives. On Human Rights Day in particular, we acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives, and for societies to be more peaceful, equal and sustainable.Laure is a fully funded UN Volunteer from France who started her assignment in September 2023. She joined the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) team as Vulnerable Groups Inclusion Associate and began working with groups identified as vulnerable in the evidence-based country document, which assesses the situation on the ground.Initially, Laure mapped joint programmes supporting Roma populations with a specific focus on women and girls as they faced additional challenges in access to education, healthcare and employment. Roma are one of the most discriminated against group in the Republic of Moldova and they face a lot of obstacles in access to public services. And this we know. But what we were trying to understand was what are the root causes of those obstacles that we know about?” Laure Anne Storne, fully funded UN Volunteer with UNRCO. Laure underlined the causes of discrimination and inequality as intersectional—resulting in a high-level of poverty among the Roma community, with many households facing limited access to safe water, sanitation and electricity. As Roma Inclusion Specialist with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Mihail focused particularly on the inclusion of Roma children through education and social behaviour change. He started his volunteer assignment in January 2024.Mihail raised awareness among organizations and institutions about the specific needs of Roma children and to prevent their bullying in schools. He also conducted health campaigns and training for teachers. People should keep in mind that children are more vulnerable than the others. The programmes should be designed differently. Roma children should be included in the existing programmes, and some positive measures should be taken to improve their situation.” Mihail Platinda, UN Volunteer with UNICEF. Laure and Mihail visited six districts where Roma people live to assess their situation and needs firsthand. “In some particular cases in different regions, the problems and challenges are different. By covering three regions like north, central and south, we can also track and see the differences between the challenges,” Mihail shared.“We realized that we needed to go to the field and be closer to the community, and understand their challenges at the local level. Seeing the Roma mediators’ dedication and all the work they do to support the families, enrollment in schools, and access to health care was very impressive.” Laure Anne Storne, fully funded UN Volunteer with UNRCO. Elena Sirbu is from the Roma community. She is also a Roma activist and collaborated with Laure and Mihail on primary research. “Targets of negative stereotypes and hate speech, and constrained by a patriarchal system, most of Roma fell into illiteracy. This left a deep mark on Roma in Moldova and deepened the vulnerability of Roma women.” Elena explained. A group of Roma women, including Elena, founded the Roma Women Platform 'ROMNI' aimed at supporting the rights of Roma women. ROMNI gives vocational training to the Roma women, organizes awareness-raising sessions for local government, and supports the role of the mediators in making decisions for Roma at the municipal level. This advances Sustainable Development Goal 5—gender equality, increasing Roma women’s representation at the local level, addressing gender-based violence and preserving the culture, heritage and language of Roma people. Elena Sirbu is also the Head of ROMNI. “The integration of Roma people cannot be pursued successfully without the involvement of Roma experts. ROMNI has developed strategies to improve the quality of life of Roma women, all with the help of partners and allies, and in the longer term, to support Roma women to become leaders at the local and national level, and to draft a new law on anti-Gypsyism so that ethnic discrimination can have penal consequences.”Through consultations with Roma people from small villages to cities, Laure and Mihail identified best practices and challenges. The data gathered from the field will help raise awareness, guide the following steps and shape more supportive programmes. “This is long-term change because we're talking about changing social behaviours as a whole and the attitude of people towards the Roma community,” Laure shared. Maha Damaj, the UNICEF Moldova Representative, highlighted the valuable and enduring partnerships they have formed with UN Volunteers. She emphasized how these collaborations have played a crucial role in enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of the United Nations, as well as in advancing sustainable development goals. UN Volunteers are closer to the beneficiaries we need to reach. Development relies on volunteerism. They look at everything we’re doing and propose an action plan to refine our programmes and focus to reach all Roma children in a way that we would hope to make a difference.” Maha Damaj, Representative of UNICEF Moldova.***Source: UN Volunteers web page
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Story
29 November 2024
Transforming Moldova’s Health System: Hope for the Smallest Warriors
Despite the glass wall of the incubator, baby Matei's temporary crib, they have a bond that needs no words to express a wealth of emotions. Their journey of reaching the Institute has been a harrowing one. “I arrived at the Mother and Child Center on May 5, and Matei came into this world on May 6,” shares 26-year-old Mariana. “It has been almost four months since this place has become our home, since we haven't been outside the hospital gate. Matei has been in the neonatal intensive care unit since the day he was born. He weighed 1.2 kg at birth, and now he is almost 3 kg. Unfortunately, he is still here, because besides the small weight, our little boy also has a respiratory disorder.” The Mother and Child Institute is Moldova’s only national referral healthcare facility for obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, and paediatrics. Supported by the UN in Moldova, the centre is dedicated to handling the most complex and serious medical cases affecting women and children. Women from across the country come here for specialized care, often facing high-risk pregnancies complicated by conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and eclampsia. The Institute also provides critical emergency care for premature babies and newborns with various health conditions. Addressing maternal mortality As a medical professional, Mariana opted for this maternity hospital to ensure the safety of both herself and her child. To her surprise, the facility was far more advanced and well-equipped than she had anticipated. “I have lived with diabetes since I was six. As a doctor, I knew my pregnancy wouldn't be easy. Throughout, I was closely monitored at the Mother and Child Center. At 28 weeks, everything changed when I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. My blood pressure soared, and there was a terrifying risk that my baby could suffocate. I had to undergo an emergency C-section. It was overwhelming, but I knew it was the only way to protect my baby,” she said. Her emergency C-section took place in one of the operating rooms refurbished and outfitted with cutting-edge medical equipment and necessary instruments provided by UN agencies in Moldova, designed for urgent childbirth and high-risk cases. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Moldova's healthcare system, restricting access to essential services and contributing to a rise in maternal mortality. Infant mortality in the country also remained alarmingly high—approximately three times higher than the European Union average. In response, the United Nations in Moldova, through its Cooperation Framework and under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, mobilized UN agencies to strengthen the healthcare system. This comprehensive effort included ensuring universal access to quality care, enhancing the system's resilience to emergencies, and improving in-patient health outcomes. Between 2021 and 2023, these coordinated efforts yielded encouraging results: mortality rates within the Mother and Child Institute decreased from 0.44 per cent to 0.36 per cent, while the rate in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) dropped from 9.3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. These positive developments underscore the importance of the UN's ongoing efforts to help address the challenges facing Moldova's healthcare system to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Advancing neonatal care Mariana and Matei's journey to a full life outside the hospital, however, was far from over, and the Institute remained a vital source of support for the family. “At first, I was afraid of touching my baby. When pregnant, you imagine how your baby will sleep in a beautiful crib at home, surrounded by flowers, balloons, and you end up seeing him intubated and surrounded by all kinds of wires and equipment. It was a shock for me. Thanks to the psychologist of the hospital, who supported and encouraged me every day, I started changing Matei’s diapers, cuddling, and feeding him. Of course, I do cry sometimes, but I remember that Matei can sense my feelings,” Mariana explained. Matei shares his room with six other newborn babies. Behind their transparent walls, symmetrically arranged incubators protect the smallest babies born in Moldova. Temperature, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and many other figures on state-of-the-art monitors in the ward thoroughly monitor the health of the hospital’s smallest patients. Any sign of change in the patients’ vital signs causes neonatologist paediatrician Dr. Natalia Prodan and her team to respond immediately with determined focus. “Premature newborns are more fragile than babies born at term. For this reason, it is important to monitor carefully any detail linked to thermal instability,” said Dr. Prodan. Harnessing technology In addition to the professionalism and empathy of doctors, modern technology plays a crucial role in caring for babies like Matei. Dr. Podan pointed out the difference these investments have made since she joined the hospital: “Six years ago, when I first started working here as a resident, we didn’t have this advanced equipment. It was much harder to do our job. For instance, the monitors didn’t even alert us when their batteries were low. Now, this modern equipment makes our job easier and helps us save lives.” Support from UN agencies has enabled the refurbishment and equipping of the intensive care and resuscitation units for newborns with state-of-the-art medical equipment and furniture. This joint effort, including contributions from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has modernized the facility and strengthened its capacity to provide quality care. In 2023 alone, over 40,500 babies and pregnant women, including Ukrainian refugees, benefited from these enhanced services at the Mother and Child Institute. “After I feed Matei, I leave him with the nurses, trusting them completely. But the moment I walk away, I start missing him. I find myself looking at his pictures, counting the hours until I can go back to his ward and hold him again. And every time I think about the moment we’ll step outside together, my heart fills with hope,” Mariana said, ready to face a new day.
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Story
29 November 2024
"There is no impossible!": the story of a young woman with disability who has turned limitations into opportunities
The girl has learned to face her disability with great courage, while skills and perseverance are the key elements to success in her aspirations. The fact that she sees only 50% with both eyes is not an impediment for her to be active and engaged.Throughout her school years she has been a member of student councils, and for two years now she has been a volunteer with the National Youth Platform for Active Participation. She is passionate about chemistry, chess, and painting, excited to meet new people, and participate in personal and community development projects. Iuliana is convinced that discrimination and marginalization have no place in a modern society, while young people with disabilities deserve to be encouraged and supported in achieving their aspirations.Accepting your own disability is the hardest, but also the most rewarding Iuliana was born and lives in Bardar, Ialoveni. She finished village secondary school, and now commutes daily to Ialoveni, where she studies in the 11th grade at high school. Both she and her brother and younger sister have pigmentary retinopathy, a genetic disorder that affects peripheral and night vision. "I was very angry with my eyesight until the age of 13. Now I have a different attitude. I have learned to accept my limitations, not to view them as barriers or problems. I accept myself and I know that there are all kinds of opportunities out there for me.” During her teenage years she felt bullied, marginalized, while the number of her friends became smaller. "I remember having a bunch of classmates with whom we used to go out in the evenings. If the sun went down, I had to ask someone to help me find my way, to hold my hand, because I could not see. At first, it seemed a joke to everyone, then I noticed that they stopped inviting me, and that at school they would make jokes about me", tells Iuliana.Now she says she does not have many friends, but she cares a lot about the peers she implements community and volunteer projects with. "It hurt most, when I had to give up basketball and volleyball. I used to be on the team until the 8th grade and I like these sports very much, but because of my eyesight I could not dribble, I would almost always stand by the basket and I could not be a good player for the team. So, I have found an occupation that would fill this void and give me the sense of fulfillment - volunteering."I find it trivial for a young person just to do homework and commute from home to school and back Throughout her school years, Iuliana has been a member of student councils, and participated in various school projects. "When I was in the 8th grade, I applied for a grant, which I got together with the village hall. Thanks to this grant, we installed garbage bins on the outskirts of the village and procured mobile dumpsters to be used at special events", recalls the girl enthusiastically. "This experience strongly motivated me to engage. And I have managed to do that. It was wow!”Two years ago, together with a classmate, she had an interview with the National Youth Platform for Active Participation, a non-governmental youth organization with the goal of improving the culture of young people’s participation in decision-making processes at institutional, local and central levels.She was accepted as a volunteer and starting with August this year she has been coordinating the platform's Human Resource Department.I want to be engaged and active, to inspire!"I remember the first events with the platform. I met young people who talked so enthusiastically about what they were doing, and I said to myself: I want to be active too! 😊". Nowadays, with so many opportunities, I find it trivial to be just a high school student and do your homework and commute from home to school and back", says Iuliana.Her engagement as a volunteer has offered her unique experiences and trainings in areas such as leadership, financial education, time management, project writing, etc. "Thanks to volunteering, I have been to Chisinau, met ambassadors, famous people, and extraordinary young people. I have overcome my shyness. I love being me with myself in this world full of so many wonderful things", confesses the protagonist smiling.The new role within the platform involves several responsibilities: to carry out recruitment interviews, learning and team building activities, certain organizational steps as part of large events. "I come to Chisinau every Saturday, sometimes even twice a week", tells Iuliana. “My parents encourage me, and I am extremely happy with my achievements.”Iuliana is also passionate about chemistry, which is "more than just an object studied at school," she says. She dreams of becoming a chemist researcher.Also, she paints with gouache and acrylic. Extremely modest, she talks about her favorite works and the new painting she is working on at the moment. Iuliana also plays chess. She has her chess class every Sunday in Ialoveni. From the 5th grade, she has been competing at the district level, while in the last three years she has been taking the top (1st and 2nd) places in district competitions. To the question whether Moldova is an inclusive country for young people with disabilities, Iuliana is optimistic, considering that discrimination has no place in a modern society. "I believe that the authorities and adults in particular have the role of not ignoring discrimination and bullying, just as they would not ignore a theft, for example. It would be good if influencers also promoted social messages in addition to selling products, because they are the ones who shape opinions", says the girl with a strong conviction."I would encourage my peers, young people with disabilities, to have courage, to overcome fakes, myths, inhibition. There are no barriers on the way to dreams, unless we create them ourselves. I would especially advise their parents to motivate them to try, discover, engage. There is no impossible!”***This story is part of the UN Moldova awareness raising campaign ”Stand for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – No One Must Be Left Behind." An initiative that is part of the UN ongoing efforts to promote the inclusive and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all their diversity in decision-making processes at all levels. The story was developed with the financial support of the UN Human Rights Moldova within the project "Paradigm Shift to Disability Inclusive Services, Accountability and Governance in Moldova", implemented by UN Human Rights Moldova, UNDP Moldova, and UNICEF Moldova funded by to the United Nations Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). The views expressed in the paper do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the UN Human Rights or the UNPRPD.
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Story
02 December 2024
"This financial aid practically saved us"
For many families from Ukraine, the dream of a peaceful and prosperous life was shattered by the war that broke out on February 24, 2022. The story of 26-year-old Natalia from Odesa is just one of the many tragedies experienced by refugees. The young mother, together with her two children, was forced to flee the armed conflict and found refuge in Chișinău, at a Center where she received support and warmth for a new beginning.The family lives at the "SOS Autism" Center in Chișinău. The Center has hosted them since March 2023, when they decided to leave their home in Ukraine and seek safe shelter in the Republic of Moldova, where Natalia's mother and sister reside.Upon arriving in Moldova, they searched for a place they could call "home," even if only for a short time. "We searched for a long time before finding this Center, especially since I was already pregnant with Xenia at the time," Natalia explains.Natalia dedicates her days to caring for her two children, three-year-old Ivan and newborn Xenia."Before the war, our life in Ukraine was very peaceful," Natalia recalls with a distant look in her eyes. "We had an apartment in Tatarbunary, and later we moved to Odesa, where we managed to buy a house with everything we needed. I never thought I would have to leave that place".Although the journey to Chișinău was easier because the young family already had loved ones there, Natalia left behind her father and many close friends. "It was extremely hard to leave, and now we miss them, especially my dad. At that moment, though, we had no choice", she says with a trembling voice.Soon, the youngest member of the family, Xenia, was born. At childbirth, Natalia benefited from a one-time assistance of 20,000 lei, a financial support that has already been received by over 90,000 mothers, including 248 refugee women, since the start of the war in Ukraine."This financial aid practically saved us," says Natalia. "The money came exactly when we needed it the most. We bought clothes, toys, diapers, and other essentials for Xenia".Starting January 1, 2024, the one-time childbirth allowance was increased by 9,068 lei, from 10,932 to 20,000 lei. The increase in the one-time childbirth allowance is one of the measures outlined in the Government's activity program "Prosperous, Safe, European Moldova," aimed at supporting families and reducing child poverty. The one-time childbirth assistance is provided by the National House of Social Insurance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with UNICEF, with support from the Government of Switzerland. This allowance can also be accessed by refugee mothers from Ukraine who have registered for temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.A day in the life of Natalia in Chișinău is simple but filled with love and sacrifice."I wake up early in the morning, feed Xenia, and then take care of Ivan. Sometimes we go for a walk in the park to enjoy the fresh air, but I miss our home in Ukraine, where I always felt safe and knew we were at home", she says, with a slight sadness in her voice.Still, the young mother hasn't stopped dreaming of a better future. "I would like to learn Romanian, so I can communicate well with the people in Moldova. It's hard, especially with a newborn, but I think that when Xenia grows up, I will be able to attend classes," she confesses.Although she still hopes that one day she and her family will be able to return to Ukraine, Natalia acknowledges that Moldova has now become a special place for them: "I would love to find a permanent place to live here, especially if we can't return home. Our dream is to sell the house in Odesa and buy a home here in Chișinău, or even outside the city".The one-time childbirth allowance was more than just material help for Natalia and her family – it was a sign of support, acceptance, and solidarity. "For all the mothers going through such situations, this financial help is very important. Children need so many things, especially when they are small, and this money allowed us to provide Xenia with everything necessary", says Natalia.Since the outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine, over a million refugees have passed through Moldova, and currently, around 120,000 Ukrainians are in the country, including 52,000 children. The Government of the Republic of Moldova, UNICEF, and its partners have committed to responding to the protection needs of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
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Story
13 November 2024
Lilia Puzderi: Lack of inclusion and acceptance from society is a barrier to inclusion of persons with disabilities
Lilia Puzderi is 46. She was born in Hincesti, but 15 years ago the village of Borogani in Leova district became her second home and the place, from where she is making Moldova better. Lilia is one of the four women with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova who hold the position of counselor in the local public administration. If in childhood and adolescence she faced discrimination and marginalization, today she is convinced that disability is not a barrier to the realization of personal aspirations. In her opinion, the society we live in can become open to diversity and more inclusive, if people see positive examples of persons with disabilities involved and participating in the decision-making process, like she is. Lack of acceptance by society is a barrier to the inclusion of persons with disabilities Lilia was born into a family of cooks in Hincesti. Because of a trauma at birth, she has a locomotor disability. In a gentle voice and with much reconciliation, a sign that she has told the story thousand times, she describes her childhood experience: "I have infantile cerebral palsy with paraparesis. When I was a kid, the most complicated thing was to explain that it was not something contagious, that I could play with other kids without harming them. At times, however, I felt that my parents were also embarrassed having to explain to people "what Lilia has", confesses the protagonist overwhelmed by emotions.Employment gives you confidence and courageAt the age of 24 she got her first job, and that stage in life gave her a lot of confidence in her abilities and the courage to dream. Then another job followed, at the Family Doctors Center, as an operator. At the same time, she became a member of the "Pro Tineret" association from the former Lapusna county."I am still in that association. If before we it was difficult to encourage persons with disabilities to show off their talents and abilities, I feel things have changed significantly in the last ten years", confesses Lilia enthusiastically.15 years ago Lilia came to Borogani, Leova, for the first time. The village has become her second home and the place, from where she is making Moldova better.When she turned 30, Lilia met her husband, Alexander, they got married and settled in the village of Borogani. Alexandru had a small shoe repair shop, while Lilia got a job as a social worker with the local public authority.„I applied for the position and got it. I consider the Borogans welcomed me very warmly from the very beginning", remarks Lilia.She would pay home visits and try to solve various problems faced by the villagers.In 2019 she became a local councilor, and this position, which she still holds already for the second term, is an opportunity to change things for better in the village, as well as at the district level sometimes."When I was nominated for my first term as a councilor, I was afraid. It was a huge responsibility and I was afraid of disappointing people, or that they would be reluctant, because I wasn’t from their village and had a disability. But everyone around was very encouraging," Lilia said.Lilia is convinced that the trainings she has benefited from throughout this time in the field of civic engagement, inclusion, accessibility, gender equality, and human rights have built her capacity to attract investments in the village and have helped her to prove that persons with disabilities are equally competent, while the community only benefits by engaging them in decision-making and taking into account their opinions. „Our first interaction with Lilia took place in 2010. At that time, I was a school principal, and Lilia came up with the idea to partner up and organize an event dedicated to persons with disabilities. Over the years, she has organized and conducted several campaigns to support people from socially vulnerable families to be included in their communities. Full of initiative by nature, she has participated in many trainings on women's engagement in politics, thus becoming an increasingly powerful voice in the community. I have encouraged Lilia and supported her engagement in the decision-making process at all times. She is a fighter and defender of human rights; in particular, she stands for ensuring access to health care for persons with disabilities in the communities, as well as adapting all public institutions from the locality with ramps. She is involved in several national, territorial and local social projects. She is a member of the Advisory Commission on Education, Social Protection, Law, Culture, Tourism, Youth, Sports and Economic-Financial Issues of the Borogani Village Council. As mayor, I believe that engagement of persons with disabilities in the decision-making process is essential, as their life experience, knowledge and diversity can provide us with specific, efficient, and optimal solutions to the problems encountered by the communities. Therefore, I encourage other mayors to support engagement of persons with disabilities in the decision-making process, this is the only way we can facilitate building a friendly and inclusive community.”, told us Elena Savitchi, mayor of Borogani village.*** This story is part of the UN Moldova awareness raising campaign ”Stand for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities – No One Must Be Left Behind." An initiative that is part of the UN ongoing efforts to promote the inclusive and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all their diversity in decision-making processes at all levels. The story was developed with the financial support of the UN Human Rights Moldova within the project "Paradigm Shift to Disability Inclusive Services, Accountability and Governance in Moldova", implemented by UN Human Rights Moldova, UNDP Moldova, and UNICEF Moldova funded by to the United Nations Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). The views expressed in the paper do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the UN Human Rights or the UNPRPD.
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Press Release
10 December 2024
UN Moldova announces the winners of the 2024 UN Human Rights Awards
Since 2004, the UN Country Team in Moldova has been organizing the annual Human Rights Awards to recognize and celebrate impactful human rights initiatives on both banks of the Nistru River. This year the awards ceremony took place during the third edition of the Human Rights and Equality Forum 2024, co-organized by the People’s Advocate Office and the Equality Council, with support from UN Moldova, the Refugee Coordination Forum and the Council of Europe.“Human rights are about people. Human rights are about education and health, decent work and livable wages; they are about clean water and sanitation. This year’s Human Rights Day is also about the many refugees whose rights have been torn by war.” said Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova. “Do not let human rights become the fodder of petty politics, populist narratives, or geopolitical posturing. They are too valuable; they are too precious to become the plaything of fleeting ideologies or partisan politics.”This year’s winners hail from across Moldova’s geography including from Balti, Chisinau and left bank of the Nistru river. Their work for protecting the rights of vulnerable persons, including children, women, refugees, migrants, older persons, and persons with disabilities fosters inclusive and peaceful development in keeping with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.Winners of the 2024 UN Human Rights Awards:General Award for Outstanding Human Rights Achievement:Union for Equity and Health Special award for outstanding human rights achievement in protection and promotion of the rights of children, especially children belonging to marginalized groups, in the context of 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Association for the Empowerment of the Child and the Family "AVE Copii"Special mention – Association "Алые паруса" (Scarlet Sails)Special mention – Association "Aud și Vorbesc"Special award for remarkable achievement in promoting gender equality and women empowerment, in the context of 30th anniversary of the ratification by Moldova of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against:Association of Women Entrepreneurs from Moldova (AFAM)The UN Human Rights Awards is an open and transparent competition, allowing individuals and organizations to self-nominate or nominate others in accordance with the awards’ regulations. Submissions are evaluated by an Independent Awards Board based on:Impact on human rights;Innovation and creativity;Dedication and commitment;Courage in addressing challenging issues;Visibility and outreach;Professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.The event aligns with the Human Rights Day theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” It is a call on everyone—government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector—to joint forces in placing human rights at the center of all policies, actions, and aspirations ensuring no one and no where is left behind.About the UN Human Rights AwardsThis year marked the 18th edition of the UN Human Rights Awards, supported by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and eight UN agencies: OHCHR, UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, UNAIDS, UNHCR, and WHO. The awards were not held only in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2022, when efforts focused on the refugee response.
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Press Release
06 December 2024
21 young people from Hîncești and Florești districts have acquired traditional craft skills and are ready to start artisan businesses
During three months, the program participants, including 10 women with family responsibilities from rural areas, attended a training course developed by the Union of Folk Craftsmen. It included both practical and theoretical training under the guidance of 9 experienced folk craftsmen. The participants learned to create handicrafts from ceramics and wood and practiced weaving, embroidery, and other traditional crafts. Furthermore, they benefited from scholarships, financial assistance for the procurement of necessary equipment, entrepreneurship training, and legal support for registration of their businesses.Ludmila Ștefan from Bujor village, Hîncești district is among the beneficiaries of this program. She is a mother of three children and learned the art of weaving. Thanks to the program, she obtained a complete weaving set and now has the opportunity to open a workshop at home. "I have learned a craft that makes me happy and can yield some income for my family without going abroad. It’s much more difficult to find permanent job in the village, so I was looking for an additional source of income to complement the earnings of my husband," Ludmila stated.Ilie Spânu, a folk craftsman from Bozieni village, Hîncești district, transmitted the art of artistic woodcarving to 2 apprentices. "Thanks to the ILO’s support, I purchased a wood sanding machine, which allowed me to modernize my activity. At the same time, I conveyed to my apprentices the skills they need to transform this craft into a stable source of income," said Ilie Spânu. Diana Dicusarî, the chairwoman of the Union of Folk Craftsmen of Moldova, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative: "We focused on fostering a new generation of folk craftsmen and formalization of artisanal activities offering the craftsmen access to local, regional, and international markets. The program has supported the preservation of cultural heritage and contributed to expanding the economic opportunities for women and youth, most of them being from socially vulnerable groups."The artisan enterprises registered as a result of this Initiative will be encouraged to become members of the Union of Folk Craftsmen of Moldova and to participate in thematic training, and professional development programs, as well as to establish commercial connections with similar foreign organizations."Local Employment Partnerships have demonstrated that traditional crafts can become a driving force for the economic development. The results achieved within Florești LEP demonstrate that, through collaboration, we can generate positive changes in rural communities. Transforming crafts into viable businesses contributes to the preservation of traditions and generating of jobs on the local level," emphasized Vasile Tîltu, Chairman of Florești district.On-the-job training in the artisan sector is one of the seven Intervention Lines of the Local Employment Partnerships implemented in 2024 in Hîncești and Florești districts by the ILO project "Inclusive and Productive Employment in Moldova," with the financial support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The initiative aims to create new jobs, encourage the transition to formalization, and stimulate local economic growth.For more information, please contact: Violeta Vrabie, ILO project coordinator. Phone: + (373) 78 11 33 90; e-mail: vrabie@ilo.org
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Press Release
06 December 2024
The ILO supports the development of practical skills of unemployed working in constructions through the Local Employment Partnership in Hîncești district
This action is carried out within the framework of the Local Employment Partnership (LEP) and addresses the urgent needs of the local labour market, where the economic entities face a significant shortage of skilled labour force.The initiative includes the development, in collaboration with local construction companies and the Hîncești Vocational School of four vocational training programs for adults tailored to market demands for crucial occupations such as painter-plasterer, reinforcing ironworker, electrician for the maintenance of electrical equipment, and plumber-sanitary technician. These programs were accredited by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (ANACEC).The first two programs, destined for the occupations of electrician for the maintenance of electrical equipment and painter-plasterer, have already been launched. They target unemployed individuals aged 18 - 55 and contain one month of theoretical training at Hîncești Vocational School, followed by three months of practice in specialized enterprises of the district.By March 2025, 30 participants will get essential skills and will be prepared for employment in the construction sector.In January and February 2025, new vocational training opportunities will be outlined since new training courses for reinforcing ironworker and plumber-sanitary technician will be launched, each course joining 15 participants willing to build a career in these occupations.As part of Hîncești LEP Intervention, information and consultation sessions will be organized, bringing together economic entities, educational staff and unemployed willing to obtain new skills. Additionally, activities will be conducted to support the refugees settled in the district, facilitating their integration into the training programs and further on the labour market.“This program represents a firm response to the urgent need of local communities to have a well-qualified workforce in the construction sector. Through this initiative, we not only offer the unemployed a real chance for employment but also contribute to the sustainable economic development of the region. It is a valuable opportunity for us as an institution to actively participate in the implementation of LEP and to support the creation of decent jobs,” said Ludmila Petrușan, Director of Hincesti Vocational School.She also emphasized that based on the development of these training courses for adults and their accreditation by ANACEC, the vocational school will be able to establish long-term partnerships with Hîncești Employment Division and interested companies seeking to train their employees. Additionally, it will provide training opportunities for any adult wishing to get prepared individually for employment on the local or national labour market.Enhancing employability by developing the practical skills of workers in construction sector is one of the seven initiatives covered by the Local Employment Partnership implemented throughout 2024 and first half of 2025 in Hîncești district by the ILO project “Inclusive and Productive Employment in Moldova,” with the financial assistance of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).This Intervention is carried out by the ILO project in partnership with local authorities, economic entities and vocational training institutions, thus strengthening the link between education and labour market demands.For more information, please contact: Violeta Vrabie, ILO project coordinator. Phone: + (373) 78 11 33 90; e-mail: vrabie@ilo.org
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Press Release
03 December 2024
Message of the Secretary-General on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world — from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services.But they are also often denied their right to contribute to solutions to these crises. Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the countries of the world committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations. This includes recognising the essential role of persons with disabilities in shaping the future of digital and assistive technologies — such as those powered by artificial intelligence — driving change across communities, and advocating for their rightful place in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Next year’s World Summit for Social Development will be a key moment to carry these and other commitments forward. In every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers. They are also leaders. On this important day, and every day, let’s work with persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people.
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Press Release
02 December 2024
UNICEF and Prietena Mea have launched Abilitare.md
UNICEF and the Prietena Mea Association have launched Abilitare.md — the first online informational platform dedicated to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities in Moldova. It provides a safe and accessible space where they can find specialized informational resources, including articles developed by psychologists and psychotherapists, offering support and guidance throughout various stages of accepting a disability. Thus, Abilitare.md becomes an essential tool for anyone seeking relevant information and emotional support, contributing to the creation of an informed and supportive community for parents and caregivers.The Abilitare.md platform was developed based on a study in which over 900 parents and caregivers were consulted to identify their daily needs and challenges.
Abilitare.md addresses these needs and becomes an essential online resource for all parents seeking solutions, emotional support, and a welcoming environment where they can find understanding.At the launch event, Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, emphasized the authorities' commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion: "Abilitare.md is a concrete example of creating a support system for families with children with disabilities, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection remains committed to collaborating on developing policies that ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for all children."In addition to directly supporting parents, the platform also targets professionals working with children with disabilities, thereby extending its impact in the educational environment. In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and UNICEF Moldova, it is developing the first parenting program dedicated to families with children with disabilities in the country. Thirty support teachers from model schools will contribute to creating the "Empowerment for Parents" program. This unique initiative will provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to support their children’s development and inclusion."This platform not only supports parents but also offers significant assistance to the education system. We know that success in education is achievable when parents and educators – teachers or professors – work together, aligned in the same direction, with coordinated and child-centered activities," said Viorica Negrei, Head of the General Education Management Directorate within the Ministry of Education and Research.The platform also aims to support mothers and fathers across the country, encouraging them to form support groups. These groups will become a powerful voice and engage in advocacy activities, offering parents a space to share their experiences and highlight the real needs of their children. In this way, abilitare.md will help them become the voice of change within their communities.“We want this platform to be more than just a website — we want it to become a dynamic advocacy network for children with disabilities and their families, creating spaces for participation, experience-sharing, and mutual support. Parent groups and communities hold significant power, and their collective experiences and perspectives are invaluable. Through these networks, parents not only support each other but also empower one another to become agents of change,” said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova.To further support these efforts and ensure sustainability, abilitare.md will offer guides and courses specifically designed for parents on how to manage the specific needs of their children, as well as how to address challenges related to societal attitudes and behaviors such as discrimination and stigmatization.
Ludmila Adamciuc, founder of the Prietena Mea Association and host of the event, highlighted the importance and vision behind this initiative: "Our work so far has shown how crucial it is to provide support and respond to the real needs of parents. That’s why abilitare.md has become an essential resource available with a click from anywhere in the country. We believe in the power of the community and hope this platform will inspire change, bring people closer together, and contribute to building a more inclusive and empathetic society."Also present at the launch event was Mariana Rotaru, Project Coordinator at the KfW Office in Chișinău, who emphasized the following: "This launch marks a special moment in society, namely providing a reliable source of information, resources, and support for those who, day by day, with devotion and unconditional love, care for children with disabilities. I want abilitare.md to be more than just a platform; I want it to be a partner, a community, a family where each member shares experiences, innovative ideas, practical advice, and a warm word of support."
The abilitare.md platform is part of the UNICEF project "An Inclusive World Starts with Me, with You, with Us..." implemented by the Prietena Mea Association, with financial support from the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank.
Abilitare.md addresses these needs and becomes an essential online resource for all parents seeking solutions, emotional support, and a welcoming environment where they can find understanding.At the launch event, Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, emphasized the authorities' commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion: "Abilitare.md is a concrete example of creating a support system for families with children with disabilities, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection remains committed to collaborating on developing policies that ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for all children."In addition to directly supporting parents, the platform also targets professionals working with children with disabilities, thereby extending its impact in the educational environment. In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and UNICEF Moldova, it is developing the first parenting program dedicated to families with children with disabilities in the country. Thirty support teachers from model schools will contribute to creating the "Empowerment for Parents" program. This unique initiative will provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to support their children’s development and inclusion."This platform not only supports parents but also offers significant assistance to the education system. We know that success in education is achievable when parents and educators – teachers or professors – work together, aligned in the same direction, with coordinated and child-centered activities," said Viorica Negrei, Head of the General Education Management Directorate within the Ministry of Education and Research.The platform also aims to support mothers and fathers across the country, encouraging them to form support groups. These groups will become a powerful voice and engage in advocacy activities, offering parents a space to share their experiences and highlight the real needs of their children. In this way, abilitare.md will help them become the voice of change within their communities.“We want this platform to be more than just a website — we want it to become a dynamic advocacy network for children with disabilities and their families, creating spaces for participation, experience-sharing, and mutual support. Parent groups and communities hold significant power, and their collective experiences and perspectives are invaluable. Through these networks, parents not only support each other but also empower one another to become agents of change,” said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova.To further support these efforts and ensure sustainability, abilitare.md will offer guides and courses specifically designed for parents on how to manage the specific needs of their children, as well as how to address challenges related to societal attitudes and behaviors such as discrimination and stigmatization.
Ludmila Adamciuc, founder of the Prietena Mea Association and host of the event, highlighted the importance and vision behind this initiative: "Our work so far has shown how crucial it is to provide support and respond to the real needs of parents. That’s why abilitare.md has become an essential resource available with a click from anywhere in the country. We believe in the power of the community and hope this platform will inspire change, bring people closer together, and contribute to building a more inclusive and empathetic society."Also present at the launch event was Mariana Rotaru, Project Coordinator at the KfW Office in Chișinău, who emphasized the following: "This launch marks a special moment in society, namely providing a reliable source of information, resources, and support for those who, day by day, with devotion and unconditional love, care for children with disabilities. I want abilitare.md to be more than just a platform; I want it to be a partner, a community, a family where each member shares experiences, innovative ideas, practical advice, and a warm word of support."
The abilitare.md platform is part of the UNICEF project "An Inclusive World Starts with Me, with You, with Us..." implemented by the Prietena Mea Association, with financial support from the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank.
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