The third Steering Committee meeting of the Council of Europe project "Enhancing Diversity and Equality in the Republic of Moldova" took place, bringing together the main institutional actors and civil society organisations promoting equality in the Republic of Moldova.

During the meeting, the main results of the project for the year 2023 were presented, and statistics on the group most affected by bias-related incidents were discussed, in view of planning future interventions.

Since 2022, with the direct support of the project, a wealth of beneficiaries across the country had the chance to improve their capacities to uphold equality as part of their professional career. This includes around 300 police officers from the North, South and Centre zones of the Republic of Moldova that completed peer-to-peer training courses on the principles of equality and non-discrimination and the investigation of bias-motivated offences.  

Further, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice, more than 150 judges, prosecutors, court clerks and assistants received a tailored training on the particularities of hate crimes and ECtHR case law.

The Head of the Council of Europe Office, Falk Lange, thanked all the partners in supporting the project and articulated the need to work together towards greater equality and inclusion. For this objective, ”it is crucial to listen and empower marginalized voices”, the Head of Office stated.

Steering Committee members emphasized the importance of monitoring hate speech, especially outside of the election periods, to prevent its spreading online and potential incitement to hatred motivated attacks. It was recommended that a dedicated unit within the Inspectorate General of Police should be established to monitor online hate speech, incitement to hatred and discrimination, and violence.

Participants also highlighted the need to provide trainings for community mediators, civil servants - including those working in refugee centres, on sensitized communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds, to foster tolerance and inclusion within the Moldovan society.

The event is part of the Council of Europe Project ”Enhancing diversity and equality in the Republic of Moldova”,  implemented in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova for 2021-2024 and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.