The Council of Europe project Support to the Office of the Ombudsperson in the Protection of Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova – Phase I held its second Steering Committee Meeting, marking one year since the official launch of the initiative.

The meeting served as a vital platform to present the project’s accomplishments in 2024, including the completion of various capacity-building activities for the Ombudsperson’s Office, the development of tools and methodologies to enhance cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and strengthened public outreach to raise awareness of the Office’s mandate and functions.

Looking ahead, participants also discussed the project’s priorities for 2025–2026. These include continued support for institutional development, improved interaction with the ECtHR and national institutions in the process of adjudication and execution of ECtHR judgements, and further alignment of the Office’s practices with European and international human rights standards.

In his opening remarks, Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the Ombudsperson’s Office in its role as a trusted guardian of human rights. He acknowledged the institution’s collaborative efforts during the project’s implementation and highlighted the contribution of donor countries — not only in terms of financial support but also as part of a shared commitment to democratic reforms in Moldova.

Mr. Ceslav Panico, the People’s Advocate of the Republic of Moldova, expressed gratitude for the Council of Europe’s continued support, emphasizing the importance of bringing the Ombudsperson’s work closer to the citizens it serves.

The meeting concluded with the official endorsement of the action plan for the upcoming period.

The project Support to the Office of the Ombudsperson in the Protection of Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova – Phase I is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plans for the Republic of Moldova for 2021–2024 and 2025–2028 and aims to enhance human rights protection and improve access to effective remedies by strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ombudsperson’s Office.