The Government of the Republic of Moldova Promotes the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

A Regional Round Table meeting on “Changes Paradigm in the Republic of Moldova – implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of  People with Disabilities”  took place on Tuesday, September 25 in Balti.

The event was organized by the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with Keystone Moldova, the Embassy of France, and UNICEF Moldova.

The event   aimed to increase   local public authorities’ knowledge about the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and to contribute to its implementation at the local level.

UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities was ratified by the Parliament   of  the  Republic of  Moldova in 2010 and ensures the rights of people with disabilities for living  in the community, education, health, and social services in accordance with their needs.

The event was attended by representatives of Social Assistance and Family Protection Sections and Directions, General Educational Directions, and Family Physicians Centers from 11 districts from the North of the Republic and Balti Municipality, as well as representatives of civil society. As special guests there were present Mrs. Valentina Buliga, the Minister of  Labor, Social Protection and Family , Mr. Dejan Mincic – UNICEF Moldova representative, Mr. Cusca – the Chief of Direction for Social Protection Polices for  people with disabilities from the Ministry of  Labor, Social Protection and Family, as well as Mrs. Virginia Rusnac – representatives of Ministry of Education.

Mrs. Valentina Buliga gave a greeting message, stressing the importance of implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and  mentioning the role and responsibilities of local and central activities in this process.  As well, the minister has highly appreciated the civil society active involvement and   support to the public authorities in the area of social inclusion of people with disabilities.

At  the  event,   the content of  the    UN Convention on  the Rights of People with Disabilities was discussed from the   viewpoint of  assuming responsibility  and more active involvement  of  public and local administration  in its implementation.  As well, the modalities of implementing Convention articles and the barriers met by local public administration in the implementation process were identified.

The participants at the Round Table have worked in 3 workshops moderated by specialists from Keystone Moldova. Within the frame of these workshops, the   rights of people with disabilities for independent life and inclusion into the society (Article19 from the Convention); for health and social services (Article 20) and for education (Article 24) were discussed.  The barriers met by people with disabilities for these rights were also mentioned. The participants submitted a lot of recommendations in order to improve the conditions for their inclusion in services, community and society.

The State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova in   mutual agreement with Keystone Moldova plans to organize some round tables on the same topic for the South and Central Districts of Moldova.  After these discussions, the local administration will be encouraged to develop action plans in implementing the UN Convention in practice.

Keystone Moldova contributes to the reformation of social and care protection system for   people with disabilities for their social inclusion through the „Community for All – Moldova” Program.  The „Community for All – Moldova” Program is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, with financial support from Open Society Foundation / Mental Health Initiative and Soros Foundation – Moldova.