United Nations Human Rights Awards Ceremony 2023

A very good evening everyone and an exceptionally warm welcome to the United Nations Human Rights Gala!

Every year, since 2004, with the exception of one or two years, the United Nations in Moldova have been awarding remarkable actions undertaken by individuals and organisations working on human rights on both banks of Nistru river.

This year, we have an additional reason to celebrate human rights – the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human. For 75 years, the core ambition of the Declaration has been to defend equality, fundamental freedoms, and justice.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has inspired remarkable progress in human rights and laid the foundation for the current international human rights legal and institutional framework.

The Declaration brought new life to activist movements - for workers rights; and movements to end many forms of discrimination.

The Declaration has guided huge progress in education, health-care and social protections; demonstrated that when there is greater freedom, policy decisions are more securely anchored in the will of the people.

Still, worldwide we continue to witness a series of challenges. 2023 has not been easy, for nations, communities, and for human rights defenders. Wars continue and multilateralism is challenged. 

We have seen vulnerable groups become even more vulnerable

We have seen the health, social protection system and the education system struggle to keep up with the demands.

I would argue, that much of this occurs because human rights are not at the core of all actions. To overcome these and other challenges all of us need to stress, need to ensure, need to be guided by the centrality of human rights and apply it at all times everywhere.

Human Rights Defenders, civil society organisations, and civil society as a whole play a crucial role in the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights.

We have seen them to be a link between the central and local level authorities and right holders.

We have seen them support the state in the delivery of crucial services contributing to a decent life.

We have seen them pay specific attention to the most vulnerable and marginalized people in our society.

We have seen them as defenders of civic space giving space to rights holders to express their views and we have seen them as promoters of equality and non-discrimination - and so much more.

Human Rights defenders are highly committed individuals and organisations, with deep moral conviction for the rights of all people.

I would like to highlight that the Board that took the decisions found it hard to select the four awardees from a total number of 65 nominees. This is an important number – it is an indication of the many organizations and individuals who have made important interventions and achieved results in the field of human rights in Moldova.

Human Rights defenders don’t seek recognition, but rather a change in society and for advancing the level of respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights in Moldova.

However, it gives us immense pride at the United Nations to publicly recognise the importance and the impact of the work of these individuals and organisations.

Finally, while the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights does not receive an award, I would like to thank them for all that they do supporting CSO’s, Government, Development Partners, and United Nations Agencies in supporting a human rights-based approach in all that we do.

Thank you to everyone here this evening for your dedication and your unwavering commitment to Stand Up for Human Rights.