Human rights violations permanently reported to “green line”

Violations of human rights are constantly reported to the “green line” of the Center for Human Rights that enables torture victims and witnesses to anonymously report incidents and receive free legal advice. 161 violations had been reported in November, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the United Nations Development Program in Moldova. Most of the callers complained about violations of the labor rights, including groundless dismissals, non-signing of individual work contracts, non-payment of salaries at the expected time, incorrect calculation of the pensions, the right to social protection and assistance, the right to protection of property, the right to education, lack of access to healthcare, lack of access to justice, etc. In another four cases, the persons sought help from the National Preventive Mechanism-Consultative Council (an independent group within the Center for Human Rights), saying they have been subject to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment in detention institutions. The Mechanism also examines complaints, intervenes when necessary and informs authorities about torture cases. The most urgent and complicated cases are forwarded to an ombudsperson who then decides on next steps. Additionally, all complaints of human rights violations are cataloged to help provide a general picture of human rights conditions in Moldova. A number of 504 violations have been reported to the hotline since it was launched on July 1 until November 30, 2009. The EU and UNDP launched the telephone hotline as part of its Torture Prevention Project. The project aims to contribute to information and the examination and prevention of torture cases, thus ensuring a better protection of human rights in Moldova. The “green line” allows victims or witnesses of human rights abuse to call anonymously and receive free legal advice. It can be reached by dialing the number 0-8001-2222 from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m.