Inclusion and anti-discrimination

National stakeholders in the field of anti‑discrimination and combating hatred reviewed the progress achieved in 2025 and discussed priorities for 2026 during the Steering Committee Meeting of the Council of Europe project “Enhancing diversity and equality in the Republic of Moldova: phase II”.

During the first year of its implementation, the project strengthened cooperation between public authorities and civil society and enhanced institutional capacities to protect vulnerable groups, including LGBTI persons, women, ethnic and religious minorities, from discrimination, stigmatisation and hate crimes. It directly involved 495 professionals through 28 targeted activities. Over 1000 people were additionally reached through support to the Pride Week and activities devoted to promotion of human rights, tolerance, and diversity. Substantial results have been achieved in the areas of capacity building, development of educational materials, strengthening the dialogue among all relevant actors and supporting legislation reform.

The Steering Committee Meeting brought together heads of institutions and representatives from the Equality Council, the People’s Advocate Office, the General Police Inspectorate, the National Institute of Justice, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the Prosecutor’s Office, the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy, district authorities from Soroca, Călărași, Cimișlia and Dubăsari, as well as civil society organisations.

The project team and partners discussed results achieved in 2025 and also plans for 2026, including continued training programmes for judicial and law‑enforcement professionals, as well as joint events aimed at strengthening dialogue, promoting social inclusion and combating discrimination. The discussions also highlighted the need to implement activities at local level, with more training and awareness‑raising initiatives carried out within communities.

The participants welcomed the proposed initiative to develop a guidebook for teachers on combating bullying, recognising its value in strengthening prevention efforts in schools and providing educators with practical tools to address such behaviour effectively.

Thorsten AFFLERBACH, Head of the Inclusion and Anti‑Discrimination Programmes Division, highlighted the project’s alignment with the core principles of the Reykjavik Declaration - democracy, the rule of law and human rights - as well as with Moldova’s national reform priorities, underscoring the need for continued efforts to uphold European democratic values.

Alexandru LUPAN, Deputy Chief of the General Police Inspectorate, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing cooperation in promoting equality and protecting human rights, noting the development of training tools for police officers to combat racism and hate crimes and emphasising the need for continued capacity‑building efforts for law‑enforcement professionals.

The Steering Committee Meeting provided an important platform for dialogue and coordination among key stakeholders, reinforcing cooperation and reaffirming their commitment to improving the legislative framework, building institutional capacities and enhancing the protection of vulnerable groups in the Republic of Moldova.

This event was organised within the framework of the  Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028, through the Council of Europe project “Enhancing diversity and equality in the Republic of Moldova: phase II”.