State institutions in Moldova prepare to better respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of persons with disabilities with the support of UN Human Rights

Disability inclusion is an important direction of work of UN Human Rights Moldova. In her opening remarks, Bea Ferenci, chief of the office highlighted that the “UN family is committed to work together to support the Government of the Republic of Moldova in achieving the development priorities based on the fundamental principle of leaving no one behind. For UN Human Rights Moldova, disability-inclusive development means the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, programs and actual interventions. At the same time, empowerment of duty bearers to ensure disability inclusion is also essential. The workshop will help all of us to identify the existing barriers and challenges, and to discuss potential solutions”.

The event focused on enhancing the understanding of disability inclusion, human rights-based approach to disability, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It fostered insightful discussions on ensuring equality and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities in Moldova. Participants also delved into practical aspects of inclusion, exploring the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and emphasizing their crucial role in decision-making processes. 

The importance of ensuring intersectoral cooperation for facilitating disability inclusion was another important element of the workshop. Reflecting on the diverse perspectives shared during the training, Galina Gavriliță, Principal Consultant, Directorate for Coordination of Public Policies and European Integration, Ministry of Education and Research, noted that "it's crucial not only to understand but also contribute to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in a multidimensional way. It was especially valuable to have representatives from various state institutions at the workshop, each sharing their successes and challenges in promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities."

Felicia Maracineanu, a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the South Territorial Social Assistance Agency, highlighted the value of such initiatives for raising awareness: “I believe such initiatives are important, especially for state institutions, to sensitize and raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and their families and to identify solutions for ensuring inclusive and accessible programs and interventions in the field of education, social services, and health", emphasizing the practical application of the training “I will use the gained knowledge in the analysis of accessibility of social services for persons with disabilities and to identify the solutions for their improved quality”. 

Reflecting on the role of the state institutions in advancing human rights for persons with disabilities, the participant Olga Mihaeș, Deputy Head of the General Directorate for Pensions and Allowances, National Social Insurance House mentioned that "Every citizen should be aware of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities, especially public servants who are expected to provide full support in addressing them, within the limits of their functional competences. We must always remember that there are people who need better and higher quality policies and services. I believe that this is what we, as a society, should strive for: to be better, more united, and more loyal."

The outcome of the discussions will be reflected by the UN Moldova in the Common Country Analysis, that is an evidence-based, independent, and collective analysis of the country’s situation, with an important focus on the situation of marginalized groups. 

The training is part of the project: “Paradigm shift to disability inclusive services and accountable governance”, implemented by OHCHR, UNDP and UNICEF, and funded by the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).

The initiative reflects the UN's commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equal society for all in Moldova.