United Nations 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.

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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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23 September 2024

The School of Ștefănel

Every day, Aliona and Ștefănel wake up at 7:00 to make it to class by 8:30. The walk to school takes just a few minutes. Ștefănel rides his electric "motorbike”, as he likes to call it, while Aliona hurries to catch up. The boy wishes she would ride with him, so that she can also feel the cool September air in her hair. “I don't fit. I’m fine walking," she reassures him. A field of tiny freckles spreads across her face, the same freckles that Ștefănel inherited from her. The fragile childAfter moving into his wheelchair, which he steers easily, Ștefănel enters the classroom while Aliona stays in the hallway. She clutches a bag of diapers and wet wipes to her chest and sits down on a worn leather bench. That's where she'll be waiting for Ștefănel at every break.Aliona Russu is from Soroca. For the past three years, she has been the personal assistant to her son, Ștefănel. "I was his mom until he turned seven. I looked after him 24/7. Since he started school, my job has a new name—personal assistant”, she says with a smile. She looks like a wrestler dressed in mom clothes. She never gave up on her baby, who, from his first hours of life, was deemed "far too fragile" and given little chance of survival. 14 Surgeries in 10 YearsȘtefănel was born with severe health problems. That was also when the fight for his life began, turning the hospital into "home." One month and three weeks after his birth, he had his first surgery. Then 13 others followed. "By the time he was five, he had already undergone ten surgeries”, his mother explains.Hydrocephalus, spina bifida, hip dysplasia—these are just a few of the conditions Aliona Russu lists. These conditions prevent him from walking on his own, from knowing when he needs to use the toilet, and from experiencing intense emotions—whether too happy or too sad—since they could trigger an epileptic seizure. That's why the child always needs his mother by his side.His "motorbike," an electric wheelchair bought with money raised by parents, students, and teachers at a charity fair where students sold their toys, makes it easier for him to get to school. It is parked under the stairs. Wheelchair at the Back of the ClassroomȘtefănel is in the fourth grade but follows a second-grade curriculum. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to keep up with his peers. The left-hand side of the board displays equations for Ștefănel to solve, while the right-hand side shows equations for the others. With his wheelchair parked at the back of the classroom, it's hard to tell which student has special needs.The teacher calls him to the blackboard, and a classmate helps bring his wheelchair closer. With one swift move, Ștefănel gets into it. He maneuvers between the tables and heads towards the blackboard. His face lighting up as he gives the correct answer without needing help from his classmates, who are always ready to whisper it to him. "At the beginning, it wasn’t like this... We worked hard for these results”, explains Cristina Nitrean, a primary school teacher at Petru Rareș High School in Soroca. According to data from the Republican Centre for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance, in 2022, out of the 460,835 children enrolled in kindergartens and schools in the Republic of Moldova, 11,766 were children with special educational needs. However, out of the 10,628 children with disabilities, only 5,753 were included in pre-school and school institutions.The Government aims for children with disabilities to make up 5% of the total number in pre-school education, 3% in technical vocational education, and 2% in higher education by 2027.
Three years ago, Cristina was informed by the school administration that she would have a child with special needs in her class. "I started crying. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to cope. How could I give him the attention he needed when I had 24 other students?" she wondered. “He needed to be integrated into society”At the first parent-teacher meeting, Aliona brought Ștefănel with her. "He seemed so small and gentle. I suddenly fell in love with him," admits the teacher. Ștefănel was a shy child, exhausted from his treatments and long hospital stays. The only people he tried to talk to in structured sentences were the nurses. "You could tell he needed to be integrated into society," says Cristina Nitrean.She discussed the situation with the parents of the other students so they could talk to their children. "And that’s how it all started. The children accepted him easily. There were less pleasant moments, like when they laughed because he had to wear diapers. But with patience and explanations, we got through it. I told them: everyone has their own needs. Some can’t do without sweets, others are very attached to their parents. Ștefănel needs to wear diapers so he can live and participate in society, and we need to accept and support him”, recalls the teacher. Since then, the children have tried to help their classmate whenever they see he’s struggling with an obstacle or problem. To make things easier for Ștefănel’s mother, the class moved from the second floor to the first. "We liked it better on the second floor, but the parents explained that Ștefănel’s mother couldn’t carry him up all those stairs, so we accepted," the students explain, talking over each other, their voices echoing through the school hallway. When heroes feel they can no longer go on...When Ștefănel misses school, his classmates and teacher call him on Viber during breaks. "It’s as if Ștefănel is abroad... beyond the borders of Soroca (she laughs). I love that we do this because I’m sure it benefits the whole class. These children will grow up to be people who accept others in need of help”, emphasizes Cristina Nitrean. After a short pause, the teacher starts laughing. "We also call him His Highness Stephen the Great. He’s a hero to the whole class," she says.But even heroes sometimes feel like they can no longer go on. It’s becoming harder for Ștefănel to spend hours at his desk. His back throbs with a pain that rings in his ears. Doctors have advised his parents to stop sending him to school. "It’s too much for him!". But the boy wants to go to school. "I feel good here. I feel happy here. These are my friends, and I like learning with them”, he admits, laughing loudly as his friends gather around to lift his wheelchair, carrying him the ten steps to the cafeteria and then to the gym. “The School Helps Him Spread His Wings"“Besides coping with pain, he is a realistic child. He knows that after this year, his school schedule will change. He’ll only attend a few days a week, and the rest of the time, he’ll study at home," says his mother.While Ștefănel’s classmates attend their English lesson, he works with his support teacher, Maia Jardan. The specialist has been working with children with special needs at the high school since 2015. Currently, there are 32 such students at the school. "We focus on exercises that are more challenging for them, according to the teachers’ observations," explains Maia. On the table, she has prepared several sheets with texts for Ștefănel to read. He likes Romanian lessons less. His letters are grouped into syllables, and he tries not to lose them before forming a word. His teacher, glasses perched on the tip of her nose and hair slightly disheveled, smiles and promises him a reward at the end of the lesson. "We just have to try. Come on, you can do it!" she encourages him. The boy straightens his back and focuses intently on the sentences.Aliona Russu continues to wait for him on the same bench in the school hallway. It gives him the independence he can manage. "I want him to learn to cope and become a strong person," she says. When he feels discouraged, thinking his illnesses will prevent him from being like other children, his mom shows him videos of adults in wheelchairs playing soccer, breakdancing, and proving that "it can be done!"."School is where he spreads his wings and dares to dream. That’s why I want him to come as often as possible," admits Ștefănel’s mother. The bell rings, signaling the start of another lesson.UNICEF, together with the Ministry of Education and Research and the Republican Centre for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance, has launched a national campaign to change society’s attitude towards children with disabilities and special educational needs. The campaign promotes inclusive education under the slogan "Learning Together."

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23 September 2024

Small business goes green and creates jobs in rural Moldova

After decades of working abroad, Anatolie Peancovschi managed to start a car wash using an environment-friendly technology in his home village in the Republic of Moldova. Thanks to ILO support, he was able to expand his small business now employing four local people previously without jobs.The first wave of labour migrants from Moldova began in the early 1990s, driven by their aspirations for better work and a higher quality of life for themselves and their families. Consequently, Anatolie Peancovschi, from Grigorauca, a small Moldovan village, first migrated to Russia, then to Italy and Switzerland. He was a young man of only 21 years when left Moldova. Over the next 25 years, he moved back and forth, always hoping to return home for good. Anatolie had a dream of starting his own business in Moldova and growing old with his wife, close to his sons. Now at last, Anatolie is back home. With the state support he has received he managed to become an entrepreneur. The training and assistance provided by the ILO enabled him not only to expand the business now employing four local people, but also empower his community, and at the same time protect Moldova’s natural resources. Over 350,000 Moldovans have left the country during the last decade due to outmigration. One in three households has at least one family member abroad, exacerbating the country’s brain drain and labour shortages, with children left behind, as well as many empty communities. Family reunification outside of Moldova has increased by 30 per cent in just a few years. Not many of those who left have decided to return—making Anatolie a notable exception. Not only was he reunited with this wife and his old mother, but he also fulfilled his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Initially, he joined the public program “PARE 1+1”, designed to match public funds with resources of returned migrants seeking to start a business. “I am back home and happy where I am”, reveals Anatolie. “As a migrant, I worked in the construction sector, but car mechanics was always my hobby. In Switzerland I practiced it quite often and learned a lot”. Back to Moldova, Anatolie bought an old building in his village and launched the first entrepreneurial effort, a carwash, with support from “PARE 1+1”. The service became popular very quickly. “I was eager to expand my business and make it more eco-friendly, but I needed to learn how,” shares Anatolie. “One day, I discovered the partnership between the Organization for Small and Medium Enterprises (ODA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and their support for rural entrepreneurs. I applied to the programme and was soon enrolled.” The ILO project aimed to stimulate the green economy in Moldova and create more and better jobs. Among other initiatives, the ILO supported ODA and five local Business Incubators in launching the 'Support to Green Grants Challenge' initiative. Over two hundred rural entrepreneurs were trained and coached in green business practices through the ILO's Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training programme. Half of these entrepreneurs were selected to access financing and be supported in developing business plans, 50 new green start-ups received development assistance, and five SMEs were assisted with equipment that is environmentally friendly. Anatolie Peancovschi’s enterprise was one of them. “I received valuable training on how to improve my business and make it more eco-friendly,” recalls Anatolie. “I translated this knowledge into a business plan, which won the competition. I invested part of my €2,000 grant in purchasing a hydrocarbon separator. The separator retains petrol, fuel oil, oil, and lubricants before discharge into wastewater, ensuring the proper functioning of water treatment plants and preventing environmental damage—crucial for a car washing business. Additionally, I used some of the grant funds to modernize the equipment. Since 2023, our business volume has increased by 20 per cent, and it provides employment to four previously unemployed people from my village.” Recently, Anatolie entered an agreement with local public authorities to supply cleaned water for public works, including road construction. He is also in discussions with the local fire service to support them. This is all important given high risks of water scarcity in the future, resulting from climate change and frequent droughts in Moldova. Anatolie is living a big part of his dream now, but not all. He lives in his home country and has no plan to emigrate for work again. He runs his own business which also assists his community. But he misses his two sons, who followed their father’s path of emigration. Dan and Iulian are migrant workers in Switzerland now. They run their own business in the transport sector. “Iulian has always been in love with geography. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a geography teacher in the community school," says Anatolie. "I persuaded him to study economics instead. However, after graduating abroad, he switched universities and followed his true passion—studying geography. I am not happy with my sons living abroad. My wife and I miss our little granddaughter who was recently born. I set an example for them returning home. I see our future together, we could develop a family business, set up additional services related to car maintenance, reparation, etc.” Anatolie is very optimistic about the future. Recently, something happened that boosted his hope that Iulian and Dan will soon return to Moldova—they bought a big house in Grigorauca to settle in when they come back for good. The boys share their father's dream of starting a family business together. Iulian’s is also thinking about how to fulfil his dream of imparting his love for geography to local children.

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20 September 2024

The farm where cows are milked and fed "with the help of solar panels"

When they had surplus dairy products, Elena Pavlov would sell them at the local market, where the future entrepreneur started to make her first clients. Her dairy products began to be appreciated and increasingly in demand, so the family bought a few more animals every year. The entrepreneur ended up owning 50 head of good dairy cows."There were no jobs in our region. Having three children, we had to feed them and send them to school. I didn't want my husband or myself to go abroad, so we decided to work here on our farm," remembers Elena.Over the years, the family has invested the money from dairy production in equipment to make their work on the farm easier. From a young age, the family's children were involved in the business, but as they grew up, they moved away from home. Only daughter Violeta, 29, left Chișinău for the Zăicani farm."I love animals, just like my mom. I used to work in Chișinău and on my days off I came home to help my parents. Lately I've seen that it's harder for them, I'm getting older and I need to get more involved. I came back home and I'm working on the farm. So, what if I finished law school?" says Elena's daughter.Farmers sell their dairy products at the market, deliver them to clients or get them from home. In a single day, the Pavlov family's cows produce 350 liters of milk. The entrepreneurs refuse to give the milk to the dairy because of the very low price offered by the collection points, so they needed cold storage and a milk cooling tank to store the milk.The energy crisis two years ago also hit this farming family. With high electricity prices, monthly bills were two or even three times higher. Cold rooms, fridges, milking machines, which were very old, consumed a lot of electricity.Thanks to the help of the Austrian Development Agency through the UNDP project "Emergency support for agri-producers in the context of the socio-economic, climate and energy crisis", the entrepreneur was able to purchase solar panels with a capacity of 8 kW, a milk cooling tank and two milking machines. "This support means a lot for us. It's the first support we've ever won. It helps us a lot because we have a lot of machines connected to electricity. Even the feed for the animals we make on some electric feed shredders. The cooling tank was old and used a lot of electricity. The money we save, we will invest in expanding the business, we want a big production room where we can package the products," says Elena Pavlov.Now the farmers produce sweet cheese, salted cheese, cream and fresh milk. They want to open their own shops and sell tasty and healthy products all over the country.

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20 September 2024

No river can ever separate people: Stories of peace initiatives from the Security Zone on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River

Several NGOs, local public authorities, and active residents from the Security Zone on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River recently joined forces to launch 12 local peace initiatives, promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding, inclusion, the participation of women in decision-making processes and stronger neighborly relations.Over the course of three months, the initiatives’ teams and 62 partners conducted dozens of activities in 55 localities of the Security Zone on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester. As a result, over 5,700 people were informed and engaged in activities.Having a deep understanding of the needs of their communities, those involved demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and align interventions to local realities, using alternative peacebuilding tools such as culture, art, sports, youth engagement, creating spaces for social dialogue and more.The results of these initiatives prove that peacebuilding efforts initiated and led by local communities are much more authentic and effective.The local initiatives were carried out in partnership with the CONTACT Center as part of the project "Building Sustainable and Inclusive Peace, Strengthening Trust and Social Cohesion on Both Banks of the Nistru/Dniester River," jointly implemented by the UN Human Rights (OHCHR), UNDP, UN Women, and funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UN PBF)."What the eyes fear, the hands do"Doina Pantaz is the coordinator of the initiative "Motherhood doesn't stop us, it motivates us!" launched by the “Trei Coline” Local Action Group. For 10 years, Doina tried to balance work and motherhood while taking maternity and childcare leave. But during this time, she realized the walls of her house were becoming oppressive and that routine could do more harm than good. The idea of a space where mothers could work while their children played nearby seemed like a dream.Doina Pantaz is the coordinator of the initiative "Motherhood doesn't stop us, it motivates us!" launched by the “Trei Coline” Local Action Group. For 10 years, Doina tried to balance work and motherhood while taking maternity and childcare leave. But during this time, she realized the walls of her house were becoming oppressive and that routine could do more harm than good. The idea of a space where mothers could work while their children played nearby seemed like a dream.This dream eventually became a reality. Doina received financial support through the initiative to create a center for working parents and their children."This is the reality for thousands of parents in Rezina, Râbnița, nearby villages and all over Moldova,” says Doina. “Grandparents are far away or unable to help and nannies are expensive or unreliable, so mothers are often forced to sacrifice their professional lives to raise their children, and when the children pass the adjustment period in kindergarten, many mothers feel lost, can't find a job due to long breaks, or are even afraid to go out into the world."
At the center, parents living in the surrounding areas will be able to come to learn or work together while their children play nearby, supervised by older siblings, grandparents, friends or a nanny jointly paid by several parents."After receiving 90,000 MDL, I immediately approached the district council representatives to find a suitable space for my idea, but the hardest part was renovating spaces that hadn't been used for years,” recounts Doina. “What the eyes fear, the hands do, and with the help of the community, we raised the necessary funds for construction materials, and with the efforts of volunteers, we repaired and equipped two rooms.""We managed to play a hora at the well"It was also a hot summer for 159 residents of Solonceni, Rezina and Ofatinti, Ribnitsa, involved in creating community spaces for dialog by rehabilitating wells, promoting local traditions, and highlighting the role of women in local peacebuilding efforts.We are talking about the local peace initiative "Hora at the well," launched by the “Plai Nistrean” Public Association."In the past, the well was the place where people from the neighborhood gathered for advice, and maybe even for a hora (traditional dance). This is where our initiative started, with the goal of rehabilitating the wells in the two villages: Solonceni in the Rezina district and Ofatinți in the Rîbnița district,” explains Zinaida Bogaciuc, the initiative coordinator. “We asked for help from the community, with whom we worked side by side. In the end, we managed to achieve something beautiful and to dance a 'hora at the well' in the true sense of the word."This initiative demonstrates the power of using local traditions to unite communities from both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River around a common cause, in a public space that can be brought to life."No river can ever separate people"Knowing that sports and culture can increase trust and foster mutual understanding between people, the Holercani village mayor's office put on a sports-related peace initiative for communities on both sides of the Nistru/Dniester River. This time, the local authorities wanted to foster a friendly and active environment for 2,300 residents in Holercani and Tîrnăuca villages.Over a three-month period, several sports and cultural activities were organized to strengthen relations between the residents of both villages. During these activities, the local population was also informed about the role of women's participation in peacebuilding in the region."Children participated through drawings, and we held a table tennis championship, the IA Mania festival,” explains Tudor Tanasev, the mayor of Holercani village. “The Tîrnăuca team also participated in the first edition of the tennis championship, along with five villages from around Holercani. We organized an extraordinary event that lasted a whole day."The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Social and Legal Support Center "Motivație" from Tîrnăuca, Slobozia district."I am proud that we have been cooperating for many years. Since 2019, we have been involved in the life of our villages. We come to Holercani to participate in their events, and they participate in ours,” says Marina Iasicova, the implementation partner of the initiative from Tîrnăuca village. “This project about culture and sports always unites young people and everything that is good. When we visit each other and show our knowledge, skills and what we have achieved, it is very important for our children to be appreciated and have the desire to continue developing. The river does not separate us. The river unites us, and we don't notice the 80 km between us, we just extend our hands. No river can ever separate people, and we are a living example of this."Dialogues between women on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester RiverOver 230 women from the town of Bender and surrounding areas have created an informal dialogue platform to build trust between women on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River.Paragon, a local NGO, came up with the idea for this initiative, basing it on the belief that women in decision-making roles have a positive impact, especially in maintaining friendly relations between communities. In this context, investing in women and offering them development opportunities plays a crucial role. "Our project 'Dialogues for Women' had one goal: creating an informal platform to foster cooperation and trust-building between women on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River, aiming to expand their skills in business, self-development and self-realization, and security,” says Olga Nevelskaya, the initiative’s coordinator. “Our team approached the project as creatively and innovatively as possible and as a result, each beneficiary gained empathy and knowledge that changed their lives."Svetlana, one of the initiative's beneficiaries, says she was grateful for the invitation to participate. “During these few months, I have made new friends and added many new things to my 'life's piggy bank,' including information about women's rights,” she says. “I would like to thank all the participants for their friendly attitude and compassion. I didn't have a very good life, but this project made me believe in myself and realize that I can continue my life with my head held high."The 12 initiatives received financial support of up to 90,000 MDL each to implement a diverse range of activities, including:Community dialogue spaces through the rehabilitation of wells in Solonceni, Rezina and Ofatinți, Rîbnița; equipping and setting up a dance hall in Hîrbovăț, Anenii Noi; renovating and equipping a center for children and parents in Rezina; and restoring the recreation area near the Ioan Vodă spring in Hagimus village, Căușeni district.Culture as a pillar of peacebuilding through the publication of a traditional recipes book in Oxentea, Dubăsari; creating a poetry plaque in Rezina and Râbnița; organizing the Sânziene Festival, where the Hora of Peace was danced by over 100 participants in Dubăsarii Vechi, Criuleni; equipping sports halls in Holercani and Tîrnăuca villages; and organizing art exhibitions for peace in Varnița, Aneni Noi.Women's leadership and participation through organizing professional and personal development workshops for women in Bender; conducting a summer camp to enhance young women's leadership in Doroțcaia, Dubăsari; and informing communities about the severity of domestic violence and prevention methods in Criuleni.

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20 September 2024

Fruit leather - a new market niche

For years, Viorica Verlan from Pîrîta village, Dubăsari district has witnessed this struggle of producers, to whom she was providing accounting services. It was then when the idea of launching a business of fruit leather came to her. Looking for more information and insights, she learned about Ludmila Castraveț from Criuleni, with eight years of experience in the fruit leather production field. Ludmila had a difficult start, in a time when the market wasn't quite ready for natural, but unfamiliar desserts. Her desire to produce healthy sweets became even stronger with the appearance of her grandchildren, when she noticed the lack of healthy alternatives on the local market, in a country otherwise abundant in fruits and berries. It took however some time to develop these fruit leather products and promote them through direct sales, considering the niche consumer base.“I was dreaming about new, healthy products without additives and added sugar and started producing fruit and berry pastilles. Some people liked them, others less so. I realized that this is a product that doesn't sell like hotcakes but has a specific market segment. My business was growing slowly also because of the relatively high price of the product, as not everyone could afford it. Now, more people buy it, because the benefits outweigh the costs,” said Ludmila.Viorica visited few times Ludmila's production unit, witnessing the number of personnel involved, fruit storage procedures, peeling techniques, and final product packaging. Ludmila's production process includes technology for both small-batch packaging for individual consumers and larger quantities suitable for export or restaurants.“I was impressed by the meticulous attention to detail and the commitment to quality at every stage of the production process. From the careful selection and storage of the fruits to the modern peeling techniques and packaging, everything was done with such precision and care. I was inspired by the team's motivation to deliver products of the highest quality, suitable for both domestic markets and export," said Viorica.Fruit leather - win-win for health and for “pockets”Fruit leather, also known as fruit roll-ups or fruit strips, has been produced and consumed globally for centuries. By drying pureed fruit into a leathery consistency, early cultures were able to create a portable and long-lasting snack that helped preserve excess fruit, especially during harvest seasons. In Moldova, fruit leather production is currently a growing industry that leverages the production of a large variety of fruits, including apples, plums, and berries. In addition, Moldovan households have a long-standing tradition of drying fruits as a method of preservation, often creating homemade versions of fruit leather.The modern production process begins with selecting ripe, fresh fruit, which is then washed, peeled, and de-seeded. The fruit is blended until smooth, with sweetener and lemon juice added if desired. The puree is spread evenly on lined baking sheets or dehydrator trays and dried in an oven or food dehydrator, coming out as a healthy snack without preservatives and artificial ingredients.Starting a business from scratchArmed with valuable knowledge and a solid business plan, Viorica applied to a competition for business ideas announced by UNDP and Japan and obtained essential, modern and energy-efficient equipment of US$20,000 for setting up from scratch a production facility: a dehydrator and a stove, so as stainless steel tables.Ludmila has also received business support from the Government of Japan through UNDP. She was offered equipment for removing pits from cherries, apricots, and other fruits, also a sieving machine that separates the fruit pulp from the pit, also used for pureeing fruits such as apples and plums. The sieving machine is also used for removing the smallest pits, like those of strawberries and raspberries. From the Japanese funds, Ludmila also acquired a fruit washing machine, a sorting conveyor, and a packaging machine for dried fruits."This support is very important for the business. Small businesses, especially those developed by women in rural areas, are in vital need of both financial and informational support to be able to thrive. We feel encouraged to improve our productivity, competitiveness and sustainability, be it a start-up or an experienced business,” says the entrepreneur.“If we join forces and use complementary equipment, we can secure a market for our products.”Ludmila CastravețNow, Ludmila and Viorica are peers and simultaneously pursue their dreams. “Ludmila is very active at fairs and she often asks me about the progress of our equipment and production process, because there is demand both locally and internationally, and once we enter the game, we must deliver the agreed quality and quantities," explains Viorica.Both women entrepreneurs are part of the same tourism micro-cluster - "Heart of Nistru" - established with UNDP and Switzerland support to enable smart specialization of local economies. Viorica was elected as the manager of the tourism cluster, which comprises 52 members."We are not competitors, our aim is to collaborate and export large volumes of high-quality production. High-performance equipment demands significant investments, but if we join forces and use complementary equipment, we can secure a market for our products and ensure business continuity. Engaging in such a business alone, particularly with export ambitions, can be very challenging,” says Viorica Verlan.Now, while Viorica plans to open a restaurant and bakery adjacent to her production facility, Ludmila is striving to partner with local supermarket chains and certify production so as to export in the European Union. Until then, the micro-cluster helped her identify a new business partner, to test a new line of fruit leather made from cornelian cherries combined with watermelon.

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Press Release

09 October 2024

The People of Moldova Receive an Honourable Mention for Remarkable Humanitarian Efforts in the 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

This recognition highlights Moldova’s swift and compassionate action in response to one of the largest refugee movements in Europe’s modern history, the most significant since the Second World War.Since the massive escalation of war in Ukraine in February 2022, millions have sought refuge across borders to reach safety. Moldova, a country with a population of just 2.5 million, has generously welcomed over a million refugees from Ukraine, with 125,000 remaining in the country today.From the earliest days of the war, Moldovans opened their doors and hearts, schools, and community spaces to those in need. Citizens, volunteers, and civil society organizations played a vital role in Moldova’s humanitarian response, working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and emotional support to those fleeing the horrors of war.The people of Moldova, its government, national and local organizations, and private sector have worked together to create a sense of belonging for refugees, ensuring their inclusion into communities and providing them with the opportunity to build new lives.

Moldova now stands as the country hosting the highest proportion of refugees in Europe relative to its population. This honourable mention is a tribute to the Moldovan people’s unwavering solidarity, resilience, and humanitarian spirit in the face of global challenges.“The kindness and solidarity of the Moldovan people have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the face of an unprecedented challenge, they didn’t hesitate to open their homes, share their meals, and stand side by side with families fleeing war. This deep sense of humanity is what makes Moldova’s response so remarkable, and it is precisely why they are being recognized with this honorary mention. Their compassion has changed lives and continues to inspire the world.” Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Representative in Moldova.The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Geneva on October 14. Representing the people of Moldova at the 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony are Zaharii and Tatiana Aramă, a couple who run a guest house in the village of Palanca near the border with Ukraine. As refugees began pouring across the border in 2022, they, like many of their neighbours, stepped up to provide hot meals and a place to sleep.Joining the Aramă family at the Geneva ceremony will be the renowned Moldovan soprano and UNHCR high-profile supporter, Valentina Nafornița, who will also perform on stage. They will receive the honourable mention on behalf of all Moldovan citizens and bring it back to the country.About the UNHCR Nansen Refugee AwardNamed after Norwegian humanitarian and diplomat Fridtjof Nansen, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award has been recognized since 1954 individuals, groups or organizations that have shown exceptional dedication in protecting and assisting refugees, internally displaced or stateless people. Moldova’s honourable mention acknowledges the nation’s exemplary leadership and extraordinary humanitarian efforts during a time of crisis.The nomination period for the 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ran from 24 January until 20 March 2024. A nomination for the People of Moldova was received among hundreds of nominations. The winners are selected by an independent Nansen Selection Committee. Selection is based on the nominee’s impact, innovation, commitment to advocacy, and collaboration. While other nominees won the global and regional awards in 2024, the UNHCR Selection Committee chose to recognize the People of Moldova as an honorary mention for their exceptional contribution to refugee protection. The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Selection Committee selects the Nansen winners every year through a confidential process.About UNHCR’s work in the Republic of MoldovaUNHCR supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in enhancing its asylum and protection capacities. Working with local and international partners, UNHCR protects and promotes the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons. Together with its partners, UNHCR provides essential services such as legal aid, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and improved access to education and employment opportunities for refugees and stateless people. UNHCR also collaborates with national and local institutions to ensure the protection of refugee rights and promote their socio-economic inclusion.In response to the ongoing refugee situation, UNHCR leads and coordinates Moldova's refugee response plan, ensuring that those fleeing war and persecution receive the necessary protection and support, in close collaboration with authorities and partners.For more information on Valentina Nafornita's work with UNHCR, please visit: Valentina Naforniţa | UNHCR
For queries, please contact:
Monica Vazquez
vazquezm@unhcr.org
UNHCR External Relations Officer
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

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Press Release

07 October 2024

The Seventh Local Employment Partnership was Launched in Floresti Moldova

During the four months, the discussions supported by the ILO project held between the local authorities, unions and employers resulted with the formulation of seven crucial Actions related to the implementation of LEP and economic development of Floresti district. These Actions will produce several outcomes, including the following:Setting up over 290 jobs in various domains.Initiation of about 26 start-ups in income-generating sectors such as handicrafts, beekeeping and agriculture.Formalization and expansion of 49 small enterprises.The creation of a cooperative on growing vegetables, packaging and manufacturing of associated products.Assisting 350 inactive persons by registering them with the local employment agency and offering them professional formation services and programs.It is estimated that approximately 1,100 persons from Floresti district, as well as the persons at the risk of social exclusion, will directly benefit from the opportunities offered by the LEP, and approximately 2,000 people will benefit indirectly. An important aspect of the initiative is the collaboration with LEAR Corporation, through which, in partnership with the Florești Territorial Employment Subdivisions, we aim to identify up to 200 individuals from socially vulnerable groups by mid-next year who are interested in employment. Additionally, the collaboration with the Florești Vocational School will allow the adjustment of training programs to better meet the needs of the labor market.The implementation of Floresti LEP involves the participation of about 15 public and private partners, at the national and local level, i.e. civil society organizations, educational and professional formation institutions, the local employment service, producers’ associations, enterprises and foreign investors activating in Floresti district. The involved parties signed Implementation Agreements regarding the implementation of the corresponding seven Actions at the event of Florești LEP launching.The total budget for the implementation of this Partnership is $328,707.66, of which the ILO contributes with $ 220,983.76. The other local and national partners’ contribution is worth $107,723.90 to be added to the service lines aimed at business expansion, enterprise’ creation, vocational formation (VET) and implementation of on-the-job training programs. An important aspect of the initiative is the collaboration with the Florești Vocational School that will permit the adjustment of formation programs to better respond to the needs of the labour market.This is the seventh LEP implemented by the ILO in the Republic of Moldova, following those implemented in Cahul, Cantemir, Causeni, Soroca and Rezina districts. Another LEP is currently rolled out in Hincești district. Previous experiences have demonstrated the positive impact of these partnerships on the local economic environment and workforce skills qualification.The Local Employment Partnership (LEP) represents an innovation based on "negotiated planning" between the relevant local partners, assuming interconnected roles and responsibilities to develop and implement diverse solutions to respond to labour market challenges, adapted to local circumstances.For more details, 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 October 2024

UN Moldova announces the launch of the Competition for the UN Human Rights Awards 2024

The competition aims to highlight and reward the most creative, innovative, effective, timely and participatory initiatives and actions for the protection and promotion of human rights in the Republic of Moldova on both banks of Nistru River. The 2024 competition includes three awards as it follows:General award for an outstanding human rights achievement at national and/or local level with direct and sustainable impact on rights holders;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;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.The nominations for any of the above-mentioned awards can be submitted online by filling in the Nomination Form available in Romanian, Russian, English or in another minority languages spread in the Republic of Moldova (in this case, Romanian or Russian will be selected as appropriate, and answers will be given in the minority language).The nomination should cover nominee’s/self-nominee’s human rights work during the period 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024.Both third-party and self-nominations are accepted.All submitted nominations should include the following information:The name of the nominated person or entity, including contact information;Details as to the relationship between the nominating person or entity, and the nominated person or entity;Detailed reasoning as to why the person, organisation or entity should be provided with an award. An indicative length for the detailed reasoning is 750-2000 words. In providing the detailed reasoning, due regard should be given to:Explaining, in clear, factual language, why the nominee should receive a human rights award (providing relevant factual description of the acts undertaken by the nominee which merit award); Reflecting on the nominee’s human rights work considering the selection criteria (human rights impact, innovation and creativity, dedication and commitment, bravery in addressing difficult themes or issues, outreach and visibility, professionalism and highest standards of ethics).Mention of the category under which the nomination should be considered.Please note: The nomination category can be changed by the Independent Awards Board, if considered necessary.The nominated candidates should not have received UN Moldova Human Rights Awards in the last 4 years. Also, the actions that form the object of award should not have been implemented by means of UN funding and/or with UN entities’ support. For more details on the nomination process, please consult the Regulation on the organization and conduct of the competition for best actions to promote and protect human rights for UN Human Rights Awards 2024.The completed Nomination forms can be submitted online with confirmation of nomination submission to the email address rco.moldova@un.org . The deadline for the registration of candidates is 3 November 2024, 18:00 o’clock.All the materials of nominated persons or entities, received within the public call, as well as, during the analysis of other available materials, will be judged by a team of experts and an independent Board, made up of representatives of international organizations and missions and independent experts.The Nominations/self-nominations will be assessed according to criteria including the following:Human rights impact;Innovation and creativity;Dedication and commitment;Bravery in addressing difficult themes or issues;Outreach and visibility;Professionalism and compliance with the highest standards of ethics.Award winners do not have to necessarily fulfil all the above criteria.The winners of the competition will be announced and awarded during an event organized on the occasion of the anniversary of International Human Rights Day.

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Press Release

01 October 2024

30 body cameras donated to the State Labour Inspectorate with European Union and International Labour Organization support

This initiative aims to strengthen SLI's operational capacities by providing them with an additional tool to improve the execution of unannounced inspections. This supports the legal provision that came into force on March 1, 2023, which grants SLI specialists the right to conduct unannounced visits on the activities of economic agents. It will also increase the risk analysis and promote internal policies of integrity and zero tolerance toward abuse and corruption."The reform of the State Labour Inspectorate is delivering results beyond expectations. Since the beginning of the year, new cases of undeclared work are being discovered daily during unannounced inspections, and this shows that we need to continue at an even faster pace. Body cameras for inspectors will improve efficiency and bring greater transparency and trust in their work. Over the years, the reputation of inspectors has suffered, and these cameras will help prevent any form of abuse and corruption from both sides. I thank our partners for their support and collaboration in our mission to combat undeclared work and non-compliance with occupational safety and health measures," stated Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.The use of body cameras during labour inspections is expected to increase public trust in state institutions and strengthen the credibility of the SLI. At the same time, the implementation of these technologies will improve accountability, transparency, and evidence collection, while also protecting inspectors from accusations of abuse or corruption.”Unfortunately, the level of confidence of the citizens of Moldova in state institutions is very low. In particular the distrust is widespread in relation to control bodies. People link this mistrust with the high level of corruption. The Use of body camera during inspections will help the labour inspectors to keep integrity, professionalism and transparency at highest level while conducting its activities. The European Union will continue to help the state institutions so that the citizens of Moldova to benefit of qualitative and transparent inspections, in accordance with the legal framework and the best European practices, ” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. ”This contribution represents only a small part of the project implemented by the ILO which focuses both on improving the legal framework, existing policies on labour inspection, strengthening the capacities of labour inspectors to ensure better access to the labour market and improving working conditions in the Republic of Moldova, as well as providing the necessary material support. This support will contribute to the sustainability of overall activities aimed at improving the regulatory framework needed in the context of the ongoing institutional reform, including in the context of aligning national legislation with the EU acquis and ILO standards,” added Claire Harasty, ILO Director for Central and Eastern Europe The total budget allocated for purchasing the cameras is EUR 45 000. The body cameras will be distributed across ten strategic locations - the Central administrative office of the State Labour Inspectorate and territorial labour inspectorates in Chișinău, Bălți, Cahul, Cimișlia, Drochia, Edineț, Orhei, UTA Gagauzia, Călărași, and Căușeni. The equipment package includes licenses, magnetic mounting kits, chargers, controllers, one central workstation and specialized software. Inspectors from the whole country will benefit of training sessions on proper usage of the equipment and will receive all technical support for one year.The total budget of the “EU support to inclusive labour markets in the Republic of Moldova” project is EUR 2 million.

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Press Release

01 October 2024

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.

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