On 10 December 2025, the National Forum on Human Rights and Equality was held in Bălți for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming its role as a well-established national platform for dialogue and co-operation on the protection of human rights and equality.

The 2025 edition brought together more than 150 participants, including representatives of international organisations, national and local authorities, and civil society organisations.

Discussions focused on the role of local authorities in safeguarding human rights, the prevention and combating of racial discrimination, and ensuring the effective prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in practice.

These themes closely align with the Council of Europe’s long-standing priorities and mandate. In his opening remarks, Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, recalled that the Organisation has developed a comprehensive body of standards and tools in these areas, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as monitoring and guidance provided by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). He further underlined that these standards are complemented by targeted co-operation programmes supporting member States in translating European norms into concrete action at national and local level.

By addressing these topics in an integrated manner, the Forum highlighted the interconnected nature of human rights protection and the importance of sustained and co-ordinated efforts among international, national and local partners. Held in the context of International Human Rights Day, the event once again underscored the shared commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and equality in the Republic of Moldova.

The event was organised with the support of the Council of Europe, within the framework of the project Sprijin pentru Oficiul Avocatului Poporului în Protecția Drepturilor Omului în Republica Moldova – Etapa I.