The People’s Advocate requests the establishment of clearly defined conditions regarding the presence of persons in public places during the state of emergency, in order to avoid the enforcement of disproportionate liability measures. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-solicita-stabilirea-unor-conditii-clar-definite-privind-aflarea-in-locurile-publice-a-persoanelor-in-perioada-starii-de-urgenta-pentru-evitarea-aplicarii-unor-masuri-de-raspundere/
The People’s Advocate for children’s rights reports on the issue of non-obseravance of the right to access to information and petitions during the state of emergency, and requests the guardianship authorities to update the web pages of institutions with information that would ensure observance of these rights. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-pentru-drepturile-copilului-semnaleaza-despre-problema-nerespectarii-dreptului-de-acces-la-informatii-si-petitionare-in-perioada-starii-de-urgenta-si-solicita-autoritatilor-tutelare/
The People’s Advocate calls on officials and media representatives to respect the confidentiality of personal data
The state of emergency is not an excuse to delay the protection of the environment
People’s Advocate: freedom of expression, including free and timely flow of information, is an essential factor for the media’s ability to report pandemic issues
The People’s Advocate proposes the elaboration of regulations regarding the acceptance of the submission of petitions / requests for information with any type of electronic signature
People’s Advocate: Health professionals who have made public disclosures are whistleblowers and they must be protected
The People’s Advocate calls for the immediate cessation of any form of revenge against the medical workers who have made disclosures regarding the quality and the insufficiency of the equipment and devices for the protection of the health professionals. The Ombudsman also recommends the operative and efficient investigation of the disclosures regarding the quality of the medical devices and the taking of measures to provide the medical personnel with the necessary protective equipment. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-cadrele-medicale-care-au-facut-dezvaluiri-publice-sunt-avertizori-de-integritate-si-ei-trebuie-protejati/
The People’s Advocate: Mechanisms for managing the state of emergency in the Transnistrian region are disproportionate and contrary to international standards in the field of human rights.
The People’s Advocate calls on state authorities, representatives of mediators and observers in the 5 + 2 format to apply diplomatic, legal or other measures, in accordance with international law, to ensure the realization of human rights and freedoms in the territorial administrative localities on the left bank of the Dniester and Bender municipality (Transnistria) under the conditions of emergency, so that the human rights restrictions are proportional to the situation that determines them.
The People’s Advocates recommend to the authorities to take emergency measures to release certain categories of detainees, including minors, by applying the most appropriate solutions, so that the number of persons in detention is considerably reduced.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatii-poporului-recomanda-autoritatilor-intreprinderea-masurilor-de-urgenta-pentru-eliberarea-din-detentie-a-anumitor-categorii-de-detinuti-inclusiv-minori-prin-aplicarea-celor-mai-potrivite-solu/
The People’s Advocates request to provide information on the epidemiological status, protective measures of COVID-19 in a comprehensible language to people with sensory disabilities
People’s Advocates call on the Commission for Exceptional Situations to establish for audiovisual media institutions (especially national televisions) the obligation to ensure the mimic-gestural interpreting of official information on the epidemiological situation in the country, as well as, on the decisions taken by the Commission for Exceptional Situations. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatii-poporului-solicita-asigurarea-informarii-despre-starea-epidemiologica-masurile-de-protectie-de-covid-19-intr-un-limbaj-accesibil-pentru-persoanele-cu-dizabilitati-senzoriale/
Employees of the People’s Advocate Office launch the idea of a campaign on social networks with the hashtag #IamNotAVirusIamHuman
The aim of the Campaign is to combat discrimination and hate speech against persons suspected of being infected with COVID, infected with Coronavirus or cured of this infectious disease.
The section launched on social networks will include testimonies of people affected in a certain way by COVID-19, including their close people, describing the experience they have gone through and the difficulties they had or have to face because of stigmatization in society. We hope that these stories, descriptions of real situations and distributed to the public will break the generated patterns in society regarding the victims of the virus, and that it will empathize with the general public to kindly understand this category of people.
The idea of a social media campaign with the hashtag #IAmNotAVirus was advanced by the UN Rapporteur on the rights of national minorities, Fernand de Varennes, in connection with the attacks on people of Chinese origin, in some Asian countries or against some migrants. The initiative is also taken over by the People’s Advocate Office, along with institutions and organizations from other countries.
Employees of the People’s Advocate Office find that the COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health issue. This virus can cause hatred, intolerance, social exclusion and stigmatization, which is the dark side of the disease.
The team of the People’s Advocate Office addresses all the members of the society with the urge to impede the infection to damage our human cohesion and solidarity. During the period of the Coronavirus pandemic, we need firm actions from the authorities, as well as from all members of the community, to protect the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized people, including those affected by COVID-19.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/angajatii-oficiului-avocatului-poporului-lanseaza-ideea-unei-campanii-pe-retelele-de-socializare-cu-hashtag-ul-eunusuntviruseusuntom-2/
April 03, 2020
People’s Advocates: The mechanism whereby it is compulsory the payment of health insurance within 72 hours, and also the payment of insurance premium for health insurance, thus the return of citizens to the native country was conditional depending on the existence of this insurance. We evaluated these requirements as being disproportionate during the state of emergency.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatii-poporului-mecanismul-impus-prin-care-se-obliga-achitarea-la-intrarea-in-tara-in-termen-de-72-ore-a-primei-de-asigurare-obligatorie-de-asistenta-medicala-pentru-anul-2020-si-conditionarea-r/
People’s Advocate: In the fight against the pandemic there is no place for hate messages, discrimination and social exclusion
The People’s Advocate expresses his concern regarding the intensification of the aggressive and intolerant messages to the representatives of the Moldovan diaspora, but also of hate speeches of Moldovan citizens from abroad, in which the authorities of the Republic of Moldova are targeted.
The Ombudsman notes that more and more frequently hostile messages are being distributed in the public space to Moldovan citizens who have returned or are planning to return to the country in the context of the new type Coronavirus pandemic. They are considered as guilty of triggering the epidemiological crisis of COVID-19 in Moldova, they are accused of irresponsibility because they had neglected the quarantine rules.
In some cases there is released distorted information about the cause of the local spread of COVID-19, suggesting that people who have recently come from abroad have ignored the epidemiological rules and had parties during the pandemic, thus propagating the infection in their localities.
Mihail Cotorobai does not doubt the possibility of such reasons for the spread of Coronavirus in our country. Moreover, he disapproves of such attitudes, which endangers the public health and safety, considering that they must be penalized in accordance with the legislation in force, as well as the irresponsibility of Moldovans in the country who do not take into account the rules imposed under the conditions of the emergency regime. The People’s Advocate reiterates on this occasion the exhortation to the people recently returned to Moldova to strictly comply with the quarantine requirements, in order not to expose to the risk of infection the relatives, close friends or community members.
Mihail Cotorobai also notes with regret that some Moldovans who are presently abroad also show lack of patience and understanding of the situation in which the authorities of the country operate, sending them offensive and licentious messages. The Ombudsman strongly condemns such speeches and positions, noting that in the fight against the pandemic there is no place for hate messages, discrimination and social exclusion.
The People’s Advocate says that the response to COVID-19 that stigmatizes, excludes and makes certain categories of the population more vulnerable to violence and attacks is inadmissible and incompatible with international human rights standards. Moreover, the rhetoric that arouses fear and diminishes the equality of all people is counterproductive.
Mihail Cotorobai repeatedly calls for solidarity and social responsibility, but also for not admitting the manifestations of discrimination, hatred and intolerance. It is neither the time nor the case to look for enemies or culprits.
Crises such as the Coronavirus pandemic must unite us, not divide us. The Ombudsman says that this challenge can only be overcome through joint efforts, through actions of human solidarity and mutual help.
COVID-19 is a serious global challenge, but also an opportunity to bring to attention, revitalize the universal principles of human rights. These principles and trust in scientific progress must prevail against the spread of false news, prejudices, discrimination, inequality and violence.
The People’s Advocate notified the members of the Commission for Exceptional Situations about the social problems faced by the inhabitants of the villages of Balceana and Sofia from Hincesti district, quarantined, and asked to identify solutions for the supply of the population of the two villages with products of strict necessity, medicines, as well as for organizing the social life of this locality. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-a-sesizat-membrii-comisiei-pentru-situatii-exceptionale-despre-problemele-de-ordin-social-cu-care-se-confrunta-locuitorii-satelor-balceana-si-sofia-din-raionul-hancesti-aflate-in-c/
The People’s Advocate for Children’s Rights submitted several recommendations to the National Penitentiary Administration in order to ensure the respect of the rights of minors, of women with children who are in the penitentiary system, under the conditions of the pandemic. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-pentru-drepturile-copilului-a-inaintat-mai-multe-recomandari-administratiei-nationale-a-penitenciarelor-in-vederea-asigurarii-respectarii-drepturilor-minorilor-a-femeilor-cu-copii/
The People’s Advocate Office will reduce the expenses foreseen for 2020 by about one million MDL and is willing to return them in the state budget so that these financial means will be redirected in support of measures to combat the new type Coronavirus pandemic. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/oficiul-avocatului-poporului-va-reduce-cheltuielile-prevazute-pentru-anul-2020-cu-aproximativ-un-milion-de-lei-si-este-dispus-sa-le-restituie-in-bugetul-de-stat-pentru-ca-aceste-mijloace-f/
The Children’s Ombudsman proposes the elaboration of tests for the graduation exams for students in the 9th and 12th grades only on the basis of the material taught until March 2, 2020 The Children’s Ombudsman considers it inappropriate to carry out the candidates’ pre-examination for the national graduation exams, the 2020 exam session. Maia Banarescu also proposes the elaboration of the tests for the graduation exams for students in the 9th and 12th grades only on the basis of the material taught until March 2, 2020. http://ombudsman.md/news/Children’s-Ombudsman-proposes-the-elaboration-of-tests-for-the-graduation-exams-for-students-in-the-9th-and-12th-grades-only-on-the-basis-of-the-material-taught-until-March-2,-2020/
The People’s Advocates are disappointed by the authorities’ reaction to their official approach regarding the identification of additional funds for adequate equipment and the protection of medical workers from contamination with COVID-19. http://ombudsman.md/news/People’s-Advocates-are-disappointed-by-the-authorities’-reaction-to- their-official-approach-regarding-the-identification-of-additional-funds-for-adequate-equipment- and-the-protection-of-medical-workers/
The People’s Advocate proposes the convening of the Sectorial Working Group on Human Rights in the process of settlement of the Transnistrian problem.
The People’s Advocate proposes to the Ministry of Justice to convene the meeting of the Working Group on Human Rights in the process of settlement of the Transnistrian problem, to discuss the alleged violations of human rights and the problems faced by the people domiciled on the left bank of the Dniester in the context of measures to combat COVID-19.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-propune-convocarea-grupului-de-lucru-sectorial-pentru-drepturile-omului-in-procesul-de-reglementare-a-problemei-transnistrene/
The People’s Advocate asks the authorities to identify additional funds for the proper equipment and to ensure the protection of doctors from contamination with Covid-19.
The People’s Advocate pleads for the application of alternative measures to detention during the epidemiological crisis.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-pledeaza-pentru-aplicarea-masurilor-alternative-detentiei-pe-durata-crizei-epidemiologice/
March 23, 2020
People’s Advocate: the risk of spreading the epidemic in prisons is real. The People’s Advocate calls on the president of the National Commission for Exceptional Situations to take additional measures to protect the prison staff and prisoners in the context of COVID-19 infection. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatul-poporului-riscul-raspandirii-epidemiei-in-penitenciare-este-unul-real/
People’s Advocates recall that the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to search, receive and transmit information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of boundaries, applies to everyone, anywhere and can only be subject to restricted restrictions. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/avocatii-poporului-reitereaza-importanta-accesului-la-informatii-a-populatiei-si-mass-media-in-timpul-pandemiei-de-coronavirus/
March 20, 2020
The People’s Advocates have proposed to the authorities to establish a mechanism of cooperation with the members of the Commission for Exceptional Situations, in order to avoid possible derogations from the international standards in the field of human rights under the conditions of emergency. Yesterday, March 19, the People’s Advocate Mihail Cotorobai, made statements in this regard on the show “Tema Zilei” from the Canal2 TV station http: //ombudsman.md/news/press-release-15/
March 19, 2020
In connection with the establishment of the state of emergency by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova on 17.03.2020, which is necessary in relation to the epidemiological situation through COVID-19 infection, the People’s Advocate Office, together with other institutions, has established a flexible work program.
http://ombudsman.md/en/news/anunt-cu-privire-la-modalitatea-de-sesizare-a-oficiului-avocatului-poporului/
March 18, 2020
The People’s Advocate and the People’s Advocate for Children’s Rights call the competent authorities to take measures aimed at persons with disabilities in the prevention and control actions of the new type Coronavirus infection. http://ombudsman.md/news/press-release-14 /
In connection with the distortion at a television station of the message of the People’s Advocate transmitted yesterday, in the context of examining in the Parliament the initiative to amend some articles of Law no. 212, the Office of the People’s Advocate comes with details. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/comunicat-de-presa-13/
The call of the Ombudsman for children to parents and children in the context of the country’s epidemiological situation and the emergency regime established for this reason
Under the conditions of the new type Coronavirus pandemic, the worsening of the epidemiological status and the announcement of the state of emergency in the country, I call for the parents, the legal representatives of the children to ensure with the maximum responsibility their adequate protection, according to the requirements submitted by the responsible public authorities. http://ombudsman.md/en/news/apelul-ombudsmanului-copilului-catre-parinti-si-copii-in-contextul-situatiei-epidemiologice-din-tara-si-regimului-de-urgenta-instituit-din-acest-motiv/
