19 September 2024, Chisinau - Respecting human rights is a priority for the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, as it is the foundation of the society we want to build - a democratic, fair, equitable and inclusive society for all citizens. This is the key message delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, at the opening of the International Conference "Human Rights Protection Mechanisms and the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in the European Union and beyond", organized in Chisinau by the Office of the People's Advocate.

Cristina Gherasimov also mentioned that human rights are one of the founding values of the European Union, and their enforcement is essential for our country's accession to the EU. In this context, she emphasized the importance of the Ombudsman's institution in protecting and monitoring respect for human rights, having a major role in strengthening the rule of law and democratic values.

"We want human rights to be respected in the Republic of Moldova, not because someone asks us to, but because we want to build a more inclusive society and to ensure transparency and openness on the part of institutions in relation to citizens. And our goal of European integration is a catalyser to accelerate these processes", stated Cristina Gherasimov.