The second Technical Project Committee meeting of the project “Combating discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in the Republic of Moldova” enabled a thorough discussion about the main achievements during the first year of project implementation, related challenges when addressing such issued in the country and lessons learnt. It also ensured the successful planning ahead, in synergy with all involved actors.

When presenting the activities throughout the last 12 months, it was noted that from March 2023 to February 2024, 23 events were organised within the project to bring forward the equality agenda in the Republic of Moldova and ensure the combat of discrimination and hatred. Initiatives were also undertaken for building platforms of cooperation between state institutions and CSOs in the anti-discrimination field. Activities involved 439 legal professional trained on hate speech/hate crime topics in line with European standards, and reached out to more than 5000 citizens through raising awareness initiatives.

Stakeholders from the Republic of Moldova participated in regional exchanges with the peers under the regional project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies”, aimed at improving the functioning of mechanisms to combat discrimination, hatred, racism and intolerance in the Eastern Partnership region in line with European standards and best practices.

The Technical Project Committee is co-chaired by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova and the Council of Europe. It also involves the representatives of Equality Council, General Police Inspectorate, People’s Advocate, National Institute of Justice, Agency for Inter-ethnic Relations, General Prosecutor’s Office, Audio-visual Council, relevant ministries, Parliamentary commissions in the field, and civil society organisations.

Partners expressed their strong commitment to further combat discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in the Republic of Moldova and highlighted the importance of continuation of inclusive approach, cooperation and exchange among all relevant actors for a better protection and support to victims of discrimination.

This meeting was organised as part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project “Combating discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in the Republic of Moldova”.