The People’s Advocate, also known as the Ombudsman, plays a crucial role in intervening when decisions, actions, or inactions by dignitaries, public officials, or leaders of public and private institutions affect the rights and freedoms of individuals in the Republic of Moldova. This includes Moldovan citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless persons – regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, political beliefs, age, income, religion, gender, etc. The Ombudsman proposes solutions to authorities, including legislative adjustments, and may refer cases to the Constitutional Court when certain provisions of laws adopted by the Parliament or the Government are deemed unconstitutional.
The Ombudsman also reviews abuse complaints, offering recommendations to restore rights. Through mediation, he helps resolve conflicts between citizens and authorities amicably. In complex cases, the Ombudsman may represent individuals or groups in front of courts and institutions. Thus, the People’s Advocate serves as a defender of fundamental rights and justice in society.
Ceslav Panico – People’s Advocate (OMBUDSMAN)
Date of Birth: March 22, 1985
Experience: 15 years in human rights and legal practice
Languages Spoken:
- Romanian;
- Russian;
- English.
- February 2022 – Present: People’s Advocate (Ombudsman)
- February 2022 – Present: Chair, Council for the Prevention of Torture (CpPT)/National Preventive Mechanism (NPM)
- February 2022 – Present: Member, Superior Council of Prosecutors
- March 2022 – Present: President, Advisory Council for Monitoring the Rights of Refugees
- December 2014 – February 2022: Deputy Director, Institute for Criminal Reforms (IRP)
- October 2016 – November 2021: Member, Council for the Prevention of Torture (CpPT)/NPM
- January 2018 – January 2020: Member, Civil Society Representative, Strategic Council of the General Police Inspectorate, Ministry of Internal Affairs
- May 2014 – December 2015: Member, Civil Society Representative, Civil Council for Monitoring the National Anticorruption Center
- August 2012 – December 2014: Project Coordinator, Institute for Criminal Reforms (IRP)
- 2012 – Present: Expert/Trainer/Local Consultant in policing, probation, penitentiaries, justice, human rights, etc., for the Council of Europe in Moldova, OSCE Mission in Moldova, UNP Moldova, UNICEF Moldova, and civil society
- 2012 – Present: Author/co-author/coordinator of over 80 publications, studies, reports, and analyses on monitoring and respecting human rights in Moldova
- October 2008 – December 2010: Master’s Degree in Law, Moldova State University, Faculty of Law; Research topic: “Interpretation of Civil Law”
- October 2003 – June 2007: Licentiate’s Degree in Law, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania, Faculty of Law; Research topic: “International Organizations – Legal Aspects”
Specialized Training: Participated in over 50 national and international trainings, courses, and conferences in areas such as project management, juvenile justice, prevention and combat of torture, non-discrimination, access to justice, human rights monitoring mechanisms, judicial accountability, youth policies, juvenile delinquency prevention, democracy, and good governance (Moldova, Armenia, Poland, Georgia, France, Norway, etc.).
Organized by: UNICEF, UNDP, Soros Foundation-Moldova, OSCE/ODIHR, Transparency International, Council of Europe, Council for the Prevention of Torture, East Europe Foundation, ROLISP, USAID, OHCHR, and others.
