The People’s Advocate subscribes to the Appeal[1] of several NGOs regarding the need to urgently finalize the draft law no. 301 regarding the regulation of crimes based on prejudice
In the last two years, the People’s Advocate and civil society have repeatedly drawn attention upon the fact that hate speech and incitement to discrimination is increasingly used in everyday language and behavior, as well as, in public space. The data presented by the Promo-LEX Association is considered relevant in this context, following the monitoring carried out in 2019. According to the collected data, during 7 months of monitoring 835 cases of hate speech and incitement to discrimination were identified, which affected various groups of people.
The People’s Advocate has always maintained that it is imperative to effectively investigate and respond to the appropriate authorities to such acts that threaten human dignity. This is because, in practice, sanctioning such behavior that promotes intolerance in society is almost impossible due to flawed law.
The People’s Advocate warns about the importance of implementing the commitments assumed by the state of the Republic of Moldova regarding the observance of international standards in the field of human rights. Recommendations on the need for effective action to prevent and combat hate crimes and hate speech have been made steadily in recent years by various international and regional bodies[2].
The People’s Advocate urges the deputies from the Legal, Appointments and Immunities Commission to finalize in matter of emergency the final version of the draft law no. 301, taking into account the amendments proposed by civil society organizations and those of the Council for the prevention and elimination of discrimination and ensuring equality, and to present to the plenary of the Parliament the document for the adoption of the law.
Adoption in final reading of the draft law no. 301 will demonstrate a strong political will to combat such manifestations, will contribute to increasing the degree of responsibility of actors involved in the use of hate speech and will provide the opportunity to effectively combat prejudiced acts, including hate speech.
Department for the Promotion of
Human Rights and Communication
Tel.: 060002656
[1] https://promolex.md/17968-apel-public-organizatiile-societatii-civile-solicita-comisiei-juridice-numiri-si-imunitati-sa-definitiveze-proiectul-de-lege-nr-301-privind-reglementarea-infractiunilor-motivate-de-prejudecata/?fbclid=IwAR3-a02h6LxUp3Dlfcel5HnzJoc4oUZc9Yfhu46Cxd1FWtgYOGGtQnmVcDo&lang=ro
[2] UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI); UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
