"Human dignity cannot be negotiated." Ombudsman's message on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
The Ombudsman's Office has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness that torture and human rights violations remain a serious issue in the Republic of Moldova. The initiative marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed annually on June 26.
The eighth edition of the #IDoNotApply166 campaign, referring to Article 166¹ of the Criminal Code, Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, is taking place from June 26 to 30. The campaign aims to promote respect for human dignity, prevent torture, and encourage an institutional culture grounded in respect for human rights.
"Human dignity cannot be negotiated. It cannot be suspended. It cannot be ignored. Every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. When this principle is violated and a person is subjected to violence, humiliation, intimidation, or other forms of physical or psychological suffering, we are dealing with one of the gravest violations of human rights, torture and ill treatment," the institution said in a statement.
Representatives of the Ombudsman's Office stressed that this principle applies to everyone, including children, who are entitled to special protection against violence, abuse, and degrading treatment.
"Respect for a child's dignity is essential to their healthy development and to building a society founded on respect for human rights," the institution added.
According to the Ombudsman, the Republic of Moldova has made significant progress in recent years in developing torture prevention mechanisms and strengthening human rights standards. However, reports by the Ombudsman's Office, the Torture Prevention Directorate, and the Council for the Prevention of Torture show that important challenges remain and require the authorities' attention.
These include conditions in certain places of detention, the need to implement recommendations issued by monitoring mechanisms, and stronger measures to prevent ill treatment more effectively.
The institution emphasized that the fight against torture goes beyond punishing those responsible for abuse.
"Combating torture is not limited to sanctioning abuse. It begins with education, responsibility, and awareness. It means recognizing that every act of torture or degrading treatment harms not only the victim but also society's trust in the values of the rule of law," the statement said.
The Ombudsman's Office also stressed that "a democratic state is built on respect, and respect begins with the way people in the most vulnerable situations are treated."
Through the #IDoNotApply1661 campaign, public authorities and institutions responsible for public order, justice, the penitentiary system, healthcare, and social protection are encouraged to deliver a unified public message in support of human dignity and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of human rights.
