The project builds on the results achieved under the Council of Europe project “Support to the Office of the Ombudsperson in the Protection of Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova – Phase I”. The new phase will focus on consolidating and on further institutionalising the reforms and the capacities already initiated, in line with the evolving national and European contexts.

What is the goal and objective of the project?

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to improved protection of citizens’ rights and to a more effective access to redress, through a strengthened capacity of the Ombudsperson’s Office to prevent and to address human rights violations in an effective and independent manner.

Objectives:

• The Ombudsperson’s Office capacity to implement effective human rights promotion and advocacy initiatives is enhanced 
• The Ombudsperson’s Office is better equipped to develop, adapt, and deliver training on key human rights themes in accordance with European standards 
• Cooperation between the Ombudsperson’s Office with state and non-state actors to advance principles of good governance in the human rights field is strengthened
• The capacity of the Ombudsperson’s Office staff to engage effectively with the system of the European Convention of Human Rights is strengthened
• Ombudsperson’s Office staff develop stronger expertise in applying and promoting the EU human rights acquis within the context of the Republic of Moldova’s EU integration efforts
• The Ombudsperson’s Office has enhanced internal capacities and technical readiness to use improved institutional frameworks and management systems

 Funding: 1 350 000 EUR

 Duration of the project: 1 April 2026 - 31 December 2028 

 Who benefits from the project?

The direct beneficiaries are the staff of the Ombudsperson’s Office, including management, specialised staff and representatives of regional offices. The end beneficiaries are the citizens and the wider population of the Republic of Moldova, including vulnerable groups and individuals seeking redress and protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

 How does the action work?

The Project will use a wide range of activities including:

• Provision of expert support and advice, grounded in relevant Council of Europe standards, recommendations and good practices, with a view to supporting alignment with European human rights principles and approaches.
• Development of recommendations aimed at strengthening internal policies, as well as reviewing, updating and amending relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Development of guidelines, methodologies, tools and other relevant practical and reference materials.
• Organisation and delivery of specialised capacity-building activities, including trainings, workshops and working group sessions.
• Facilitation of networking opportunities and exchange of practices through study and working visits to other countries in areas relevant to the Project’s thematic priorities.
• Development and implementation of software solutions, as well as provision of relevant technological equipment and technical support.
• Organisation of public information events and implementation of awareness-raising, educational, advocacy, visibility and knowledge-sharing activities.

 What do we expect to achieve?

• The Ombudsperson’s Office applies strengthened advocacy and communication approaches as part of human rights promotion
• The Ombudsperson’s Office has strengthened its understanding of the European Convention standards and the EU acquis, enabling more effective engagement with European mechanisms and contributing to the Republic of Moldova’s European integration efforts
• The Ombudsperson’s Office has developed stronger managerial and operational capacities in line with European standards and best practices