UN Moldova announces the winners of the 2025 UN Human Rights Awards
Human rights begin with us – in the choices we make every day.
The United Nations in Moldova proudly announced the winners of the 2025 UN Human Rights Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements in the field of human rights across the Republic of Moldova. These awards honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the year.
Since 2004, the UN Country Team in Moldova has been organizing the annual contest Human Rights Awards to celebrate impactful human rights initiatives on both banks of the Nistru River. This initiative underscores the UN’s commitment to advancing human rights, a cornerstone of the UN Charter and a critical pillar of sustainable development and global peace.
The awards ceremony took place within the Human Rights and Equality Forum 2025, organized by the People’s Advocate Office and the Equality Council, with support from UN Moldova and the Council of Europe.
“Human rights begin with us – in the choices we make every day: treating others with respect, speaking out against injustice, and listening to voices too often ignored.” highlighted Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova. “Human rights aren't simple priorities, they are the essentials we rely on every day.”
The winners were selected from over 40 nominations and reflect the unwavering dedication of human rights champions across Moldova. They have worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable persons, including children, women, refugees, migrants, older persons, and persons with disabilities, while fostering inclusive and peaceful communities.
Winners of the 2025 UN Human Rights Awards:
- General Award for Outstanding Human Rights Achievement:
Vadim Vieru – human rights activist and defender
Partnership Center for Social and Legal Innovations "Women's Initiatives"
- Special award for remarkable achievement in promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities:
Organization “SOS Autism”
Special mention – The Association of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova – “European Abilities Without Limits”
- Special award for an outstanding achievement at national or local level in protection and promotion of the Rights of Persons belonging to ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities and refugees:
Center “Bahtalo Ker”
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. Nominations 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 Everyday Essentials” 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 nowhere is left behind.
About the UN Human Rights Awards
This year marked the 19th edition of the UN Human Rights Awards, supported by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and four UN agencies: UN Human Rights, UNDP, UNICEF, and UN Women. 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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