UN expert to visit Moldova to consider situation of human rights defenders

Chisinau, 25 June /MOLDPRES/- UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst announced his first official visit to Moldova on 25-29 June to assess the situation of human rights defenders and review the efforts, progress and challenges of the state in ensuring the protection and strengthening of their role.

“The visit is a great opportunity to get involved in a constructive dialogue with the state authorities and civil society organizations to identify ways to ensure a safe environment for human rights defenders," Forst said.

Forst will meet state officials, representatives of judiciary and prosecution service, lawyers, journalists, as well as members of the Ombudsman Office, human rights defenders and representatives of civil society organizations. The visit will take place in Chisinau and Tiraspol.

“I look forward to analyzing and addressing the challenges faced by civil society organizations, identifying together the good practices implemented by the government and establishing ways to support and strengthen the vital and legitimate work of human rights defenders," Forst said.

The official will present the findings set out in the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva in March 2019.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Răileanu)