About 30 employees of the Office of the People’s Advocate and representatives of civil society strengthened their knowledge related to the international standards for the protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) during a training carried out in period 23-24 February with the support of the European Union.

During the event organized by the Legal Resources Centre from Moldova (LRCM) in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ),  theoretical components regarding the activity of HRDs and practical exercises regarding the monitoring and reporting of cases in which HRDs are involved were included.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Moldova, Ceslav Panico, stated at the opening of the training that its institution welcomes the initiative to train those who are responsible for protecting the HRDs, noting that in addition to the actions of civil society, interventions in the legislation are also necessary to have a legal instrument of HRDs protection.

„The greater the protection of Human Rights Defenders, the more human rights will be respected”, pointed out Ceslav Panico, referring to a draft law that is in the process of elaboration, and may be proposed for public consultation.

Justice and Human Rights Programme Manager from European Union Delegation in the Republic of Moldova, Eduard Pesendorfer, emphasized the relevance of HRDs work, including, in the current regional context.

“The concept of the training is designed to strengthen the existing skills of the participants to protect HRDs, relying on the best international practices””, stated Daniel Goinic, Human Rights Program Director within LRCM.

The training was delivered by ICJ experts, an organization based in Geneva, Temur Shakirov, and Dmitri Nurumov. They noted the professionalism of the Office of the People’s Advocate team, declaring that Moldova is making progress in order to protect the HRDs.