Better mechanisms for protection against discrimination were in the focus of the International conference that took place on 17-18 December in Chisinau, Moldova. The conference brought together the representatives of the Ombudspersons’ Offices, equality bodies, state authorities and key local NGOs from: Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, as well as international experts.

The conference served as a forum for exchanging experience and finding solutions for better protection against discrimination at the national level. The event discussed the recently conducted Study on inclusive education in Europe and in the Republic of Moldova: reasonable accommodation, access to education and non-discrimination as well as results of the Survey on perception of discrimination in Moldova. The event also discussed the importance of efficient communication between all relevant players in the area of non-discrimination on the example of the Communication Strategy of the Moldovan Equality Council. The conference addressed Roma and gender discriminations, domestic violence, Istanbul Convention - mainly the challenges for its ratification by the states.

This is the second event of this scale organised within the joint European Union-Council of Europe project “Supporting national efforts for prevention and combating discrimination in Moldova” financed by the European Union under the Partnership for Good Governance programme.

Panel of keynote speakers on the International conference held in Chisinau. © Council of Europe