Moldova to Receive €800,000 Grant for Strengthening Human Rights Protection
The Council of Europe will provide a €800,000 grant to the Office of the Ombudsman in Moldova to bolster human rights protections within the country.
Ombudsman Ceslav Panico expressed that the office he leads intends to leverage this financial support to develop innovative tools and mechanisms aimed at promoting and safeguarding human rights at the national level. Additionally, the project will focus on strengthening cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and exploring the potential ramifications of artificial intelligence on human rights.
The initiative, titled "Support for the Ombudsman in the Protection of Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova - Phase I," was officially launched on May 8th, 2024. Ombudsman Panico emphasised the commitment of his institution, through this partnership with the Council of Europe, to solidify its independence and effectiveness, ultimately transforming it into a model office.
"This project represents a significant step forward in aligning Moldova with European human rights standards and solidifying the rule of law within the nation," declared Panico, according to a press release issued by the Ombudsman's Office.
The first phase of the project, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2025, will prioritise improvements in several key areas. These include enhancing the management structure of the Ombudsman's Office, implementing the digitization of services, and incorporating elements of artificial intelligence into the office's data collection and analysis system. The project will also establish online dispute resolution mechanisms to facilitate citizen interaction. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen the relationship between the Ombudsman's Office and the ECHR while promoting human rights throughout Moldovan society.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
