In a report published on Tuesday 12 November, the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) welcomes the initiatives taken by the Moldovan authorities, but calls for additional measures to combat discrimination and hate speech.
Among the progress made, ECRI notes: - the introduction of “grounds of prejudice” in the Criminal and Misdemeanour Codes; - improving the inclusion of migrants; - the welcome given to people displaced by the war in Ukraine.
However, ECRI is “concerned” about a series of shortcomings.
In particular it pointed out: - discrimination against LGBTI people; - online hate speech of “growing concern”; - “the interrelated problems” suffered by the Roma population, namely poverty and discrimination; - the lack of resources for the Equality Council and the Ombudsman.
The commission recommends that Moldova develop a legal framework around gender recognition, take measures to combat hate speech, including effective investigation and prosecution, ensure the implementation of the 2022-2025 programme of support for the Roma population and ensure that the Equality Council and the Ombudsman are able to carry out their duties.
It also encourages Moldova to ratify Protocol No.12 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which lays down a general ban on discrimination.
The Moldovan authorities have undertaken to do so by the end of 2024.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/e9j (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)