The Office of the People’s Ombudsperson became a catalyst of positive changes in the field of human rights. The institution promotes equality and combats discrimination so that all the citizens in society enjoy the same rights, stated Desiree Jongsma, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

In an anniversary news conference held to mark the 20th anniversary of the foundation of the Office of the People’s Ombudsperson, Desiree Jongsma said the reforms underwent by the institution led to its accreditation by the Bureau of the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), obtaining status “A”. This means recognition of the institution’s compliance with the Paris Principles that define the basic standards concerning the functioning of the national human rights institutions, IPN reports.

People’s Ombudsman Mihail Cotorobai noted that the Office of the People’s Ombudsperson in Moldova was instituted on the UNDP’s initiative. The institution also takes part in parliamentary activity by monitoring the observance of human rights and by submitting proposals for amending the legislation. All the national institutions should improve their role in ensuring the protection of human rights.

Vladimir Țurcan, president of the parliamentary commission on human rights and interethnic relations, said the observance of human rights remains a priority for Parliament and the activities for ensuring the human rights started after the country declared its independence. Thus, in October 1997 there was adopted a law that regulated the activities of the Parliament’s Ombudsperson at the Human Rights Center. In 2007, a separate article devoted to the People’s Ombudsperson was introduced in the Constitution and this contributes to the independence of this institution. “We will continue to work to ensure the human rights at the highest level even if there are yet many problems,” stated the MP.

Günther Kräuter, Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute, noted the existence of the institution of the ombudsman in the Republic of Moldova is important for promoting democracy, human rights, especially now that serious challenges are witnessed in the region.

The conference was held at the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau.