Discrimination and bias-motivated offences pose significant challenges to social cohesion, individual well-being, and community safety. Police officers play a crucial role in this respect, promoting equality, protecting vulnerable populations, ultimately ensuring justice.
In recent years, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, the Moldovan Police has undertaken targeted trainings relating to the understanding of bias-motivated crimes. These training sessions are based on several key aspects, such: legal provisions, practical examples, and exchange of experiences.
Since 2021, under the Council of Europe’s project “Enhancing Diversity and Equality in the Republic of Moldova”, over 300 police officers from different regions of Moldova have participated in such activities.
One of the results is the establishment of a pool of police trainers specialised on non-discrimination. It ensures sustainability of the project efforts beyond its time limits, by knowledge dissemination through and among peers.
The entire learning process is supported by adequate educational and training resources. Among those, there is the manual on The Role of Police in Combating Preventing and Combating Discrimination, a useful tool finalised in 2023.
With their increased knowledge on equality, the trained police officers contribute to a safer environment for all people and citizens, contributing to societal cohesion.
These activities are part of 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.