UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk visits Chișinău

“Moldova faces socio-economic and humanitarian challenges, arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Pre-existing vulnerabilities have been aggravated,” Türk said.

“I am grateful to the authorities for their cooperation with my team on the ground and the whole UN system in Moldova, especially in the context of the ongoing refugee crisis. Moldova’s hosting of some 96,000 refugees is commendable.”

“It is precisely at times when a country faces massive challenges that human rights need to be at the centre of the response.”

“During my short visit, I had a chance to hear from the vibrant and diverse civil society that is working actively on human rights issues, including aspects of freedom of expression, the need for a better protection for minorities and members of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as for people with disabilities.”

“I look forward to further strengthening our engagement with the Moldovan authorities, national human rights institutions and civil society, particularly as we embark on our year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Türk said.