UN
IN MOLDOVA
“MOLDOVA 2030” STRATEGY WILL BE DEVELOPED BY THE END OF THE YEAR August 2017, #5
EU BRINGS CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME TO THE TIGHINA FORTRESS page 18
FOR 20 YEARS, MOLDOVA IS PARTICIPATING IN UN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS page 4 AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 1 Photo: UNDP Moldova / Victor Pictor
Summary UN Resident Coordinator
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EU brings classical music for the first time to the Tighina Fortress
For 20 years, Moldova is participating in UN peacekeeping missions
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A social creche has opened in Glodeni
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SUN DA-I FEST brought green energy to the heart of Chisinau
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More Roma children to have access to quality education
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The children of Moldovan migrants learn their native language
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Xenia wants to go to school
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Historic decision for the justice sector in Moldova: young man with psychosocial disabilities regains legal capacity
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Major health gains achieved through working together: 15 years of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network
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Journalists from Tiraspol received training in coverage of health issues
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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: We need people of all ages, genders and backgrounds working together for gender equality
Rural poverty in Moldova is four times higher than urban one
Moldova has committed to achieving 106 targets for a better life by 2030
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AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day
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Alternative to incarceration for people who use drugs - a solution for the Republic of Moldova
23 localities will enjoy better communal services as a result of migrants’ involvement
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#WithRefugees
Magazine: UN in Moldova The United Nations in Moldova August 2017 Magazine Nr. 5 "The UN in Moldova" is a quarterly magazine published by the United Nations in Moldova, 131, 31 August 1989 St., Chisinau, MD 2012, Moldova, tel.: (373-22) 22 00 45, fax: (373-22) 22 00 41; www.un.md, www.magazine.un.md
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The articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the United Nations or any of its Agencies. Articles may be freely reproduced for non commercial purposes, provided the source is acknowledged. Cover: UN Moldova / Circulation: 100 copies If you want to receive a printed copy, write a message to moldova@one.un.org
Photo: Igor Vrabie / UN Moldova
Dear readers,
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dapting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to the national context in Moldova is a key priority for the UN. We are working with the State Chancellery and a broad range of national counterparts to realize this objective. A lot of work has already been done to adapt the global framework of indicators and targets to the national policy context and reform agenda. This will enable us to track progress against the Sustainable Development Goals and make sure that the country is heading in the right direction. As the next step, the UN, the State Chancellery and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation have embarked on a joint initiative to evaluate the National Development Strategy Moldova 2020 and elaborate a new strategy that is fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the EU Association Agreement and Moldova’s other international commitments. The new National Development Strategy Moldova 2030 will be a strategic roadmap for the long-term development of the country and provide the Government with guidance to implement an effective reform agenda that will maximize the benefits for all the people of Moldova, including the most vulnerable and marginalized. Reaching out to those left behind in the development process is a guiding principle of the 2030 Agenda. It is therefore worrying that inequalities between different segments of the population in Moldova remain high.
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The National Human Development Report 2015/2016, which was released in June this year, highlights that vulnerable groups in the country are exposed to stark social inequalities and have not fully reaped the benefits of the development Moldova has gone through since its independence. You will read more about these findings in a separate article in this issue. The lessons learned for the UN and our partners are clear: we need to continue focusing our development efforts on vulnerable groups, strengthening social cohesion and social inclusion and making sure that no-one is left behind.
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he report also revealed that urban-rural inequalities are on the rise in Moldova and this is partly driven by migration from rural areas. To address this issue UN Moldova is implementing a project on migration and local development, where we seek to engage migrants in the development of their home towns and villages. This has been a success story and more than 200,000 people in 23 localities now benefit from better living conditions and local infrastructure as a result of this project, which you can read more about in this issue of the UN magazine.
DAFINA GERCHEVA UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova
AUGUST 2017
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PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
For 20 years, Moldova is participating in UN peacekeeping missions
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ver 300 officers and non-commissioned officers of the National Army have participated in peacekeeping operations in various hot spots around the world in the last 20 years. “I think that we should increase our participation in peacekeeping missions, and that more men and women should be involved in such kind of operations. Participation in missions outside the country increases experience, facilitates knowledge transfer and cohesion in the National Army”, noted the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Andrian Candu.
Ceremony of deployment of the seventh National Army contingent in KFOR operation in Kosovo
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N Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova Dafina Gercheva appreciated the country’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the world.
" International Day of UN Peacekeepers Ceremony
I would like to express my deep appreciation for the country’s commitment to peace and security across the globe”,
said DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova.
National Army’s Military Observers, UNMISS, South Sudan 4 | UN Magazine
AUGUST 2017
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Croitoru, UN Mission in Liberia, 2010-2011
Major Ianac Deli, UNMISS, South Sudan, 2013-2014
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While on mission, I understood the importance of thinking fast and cool-headedly, and looking two-three steps ahead in any situation, since I was exposed to very high risks. I also learned how to work in a team, how to communicate both with the local people to gather information, and with the members of my team. It is very important for women to participate in peacekeeping operations. They can get information from the local population. I mean, from women and children. Women also maintain the gender balance in international operations”, said IULIA MADAN, a major in the National Army, served as a peacekeeper in the Central African Republic between 2014 and 2016.
Iulia Madan, UN Mission in Central African Republic, 2014-2016
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We simulate a UN peacekeeping operation where we create various incidents. A drill lasts for about 48 hours straight”, said ION COZMA, lieutenant colonel Lieutenant Colonel Timofei Starodub and Captain Vasile Mirca, UNMISS, South Sudan
Lieutenant colonel Ion Cozma, UN Mission in Sudan, 2009-2010
Lieutenant colonel Ion Cozma served in the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan in 2009 and 2010. Today he is the Head of the Continuous Training Center of the “Alexandru cel Bun” of the Armed Forces Military Academy. Back from missions, peacekeepers are asked to share their experience with future peacekeepers as part of the training course for UN military observers in peacekeeping operations.
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The excellent performance of these soldiers proves that there are well-trained people for any kind of mission in the National Army”, said Deputy Minister of Defence GHEORGHE GALBURA.
Currently the National Army has nine peacekeepers serving in UN missions in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Kosovo, as well as in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York, USA. AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 5
SUN DA-I FEST brought clean energy to the heart of Chisinau
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housands of people gathered in the Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Public Garden to see, touch and test renewable energy technologies and enjoy music powered by solar panels. The SUN Dă-I Fest is organized by the Energy and Biomass Project – funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme – the Energy Efficiency Agency and POT Music.
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I am very happy to be here again at the SUN Dă-I Fest. The EU is supporting the 5th edition of this event, which is both a fun day out for all the family and an opportunity to learn more about renewable and sustainable energy, which can have a positive impact on the daily life in the Republic of Moldova”,
Sun Da-I Fest, 5th Anniversary
said ANEIL SINGH, Head of Cooperation Section within European Union Delegation.
Live performance. Foreign and local bands playing solar powered musical instruments
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I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of young innovators. I have no doubts that their ideas will not stop with these models and prototypes, but will grow into valuable projects that will change the world into an environment-friendly one. I can also see increased interest of people in clean energy produced in their own country, which brings new jobs, new businesses and money invested in Moldova”,
said DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova. 6 | UN Magazine
Sun Da-I Fest organized by the Energy and Biomass Project, Energy Efficiency Agency and POT Music AUGUST 2017
Eco-innovations exhibition
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People taking part in interactive renewable energy contests
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isitors had a chance to see them working in real life: biomass boilers producing heat, photovoltaic panels generating clean electricity and solar collectors heating water. They tested electric cars, scooters and bicycles, received first-hand information from producers of clean technologies in our country and learned the stories of people who switched from fossil to clean energy produced in Moldova.
The technologies exhibited here promote smart consumption of clean energy and technologies that enhance our energy independence. I am happy to see more and more offers on the local energy market year by year and I admire the enthusiasts who have replaced the energy from fossil sources with renewable energy”, noted CALIN NEGURA, Head of Energy Department, Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure.
POT Music
A Innovation designed by the students of the Tehnical University
Paper can also be recycled for such purposes
dults took active part in interactive contests on green energy topics, and practical workshops on renewable energy and waste recycling, learning how to make environmentally-friendly dishes.
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It is our second time at this festival and we love what we see here. Good music, played live in open air and powered by solar energy, new technologies and innovations, interesting activities and games for both adults and children. It’s an ecomini-universe where I would like to live all the time”,
said ELENA CARAFIZI, who came to SUN Da-I Fest with her family.
Green Technology Exhibition AUGUST 2017
SUN Dă-I Fest culminated with a live music performance by Flat Foot (Sweden), Domino (Romania), Hi Mum, Sillaje, Glimpse, Via Daca, Ambertraps who played with solarpowered musical instruments. UN Magazine | 7
The children of Moldovan migrants learn their native language
Natalia Griu, Representative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of the Republic of Moldova, and children from the Educational Center “Alunelul”
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magine being born in the Republic of Moldova and not speaking the native language. This is the reality for more than 40,000 Moldovan children in over 30 countries all over the world. Moldovan parents who migrated for economic and other reasons bring up their children in countries that bear little or no resemblance to their homeland. Their social and cultural ties with their homeland gradually erode. Sometimes, they stop identifying with Moldova altogether. To improve this, IOM – the new UN Migration Agency – has worked for the last two years to diminish the impact of migration. Ten Diaspora Associations have received grants of 3,500 USD each for educational purposes. They
Open lesson on children’s rights at the Educational Center organized by “Moldovans in Venice for Social Solidarity” Association together with the Moldovan Orthodox Church “Nativity of Mary”
Sunday School organized by “Moldovans in Venice for Social Solidarity” Association of the Moldovan Orthodox Church “Nativity of Mary”, Padua, Italy 8 | UN Magazine
AUGUST 2017
Educational Center “Alunelul” of the Moldovan International Culture and Socialization Center – Universal Solidarity, Padua, Italy
will use this money to cover the rent of premises, didactic materials, stationary and teachers’ wages.
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Cristina Blanaru, Sunday school teacher
he ten centers are located in Portugal (three), Italy (two) and one in France, Belgium, Ireland, Kazakhstan and Canada. However many more are in need of support. Usually the centers exist from small donations from parents or partners such as Orthodox churches or central or local authorities. For instance, the Sunday school in Faro, Portugal was allowed to use a local school for their activities free of charge for as long as they need. But not every center gets this kind of support. Some are just starting their programme and need even the very basic, such as guidance for teaching Romanian language. This is why the UN Migration Agency hired two national experts to develop a Romanian language curriculum and teacher’s guide. The curriculum has been recently approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of the Republic of Moldova and will be serving as a means to make sure children study not only the culture and customs of their homeland but the language as well, according to the best European standards.
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n June, the teachers from these educational centers were trained for a week in Chisinau to use this new curriculum. According to one of the trainees, Maria Simonishvili from “Casa Mare” Association, Tbilisi, Georgia, “this workshop was useful not only because of its content but also because it consolidated us as a group. When exercising we acted not only as professors, but also as pupils, children that will never forget the Romanian language classes.”
AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 9
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the inauguration of Public Art Installation, Bright Future, in Causeni. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: We need people of all ages, genders and backgrounds working together for gender equality
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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka traditionally welcomed with bread and salt in Causeni. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur 10 | UN Magazine
uring her first official visit to the Republic of Moldova on June 11-12, Phumzile MlamboNgcuka, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of UN Women, made an appeal to the Moldovan people to work together for gender equality in the Republic of Moldova. Together with the representatives of local governments, women survivors of violence and young people involved in awareness-raising campaigns on gender-based violence, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka took part in the inauguration of the public art installation called Bright Future in the central part of the Causeni town. She praised the significant efforts of women survivors of violence, also known as Positive Champions, to help other women in Causeni and across the country to take the first steps towards a life free of violence. AUGUST 2017
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I commend all the Positive Champions for their courage to break the silence around violence against women and girls and to drive action towards a world free of violence. You act as critical positive examples of how women can challenge stereotypes and combat harmful practices,”
Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, meets Moldovan Prime Minister, Pavel Filip. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur
said Ms. MLAMBO-NGCUKA. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka also had discussions with the representatives of the Moldovan civil society stressing the important partnership between the civil society and UN Women in challenging the existing social norms and improving legislation to promote gender equality and empower women in Moldova. During a meeting with the women Members of Parliament, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka congratulated them on the adoption of the Law no. 71, which, for the first time in the country’s history, introduced a 40% quota for both genders in party lists.
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To reach our goal of Planet 50-50 by 2030, we need people of all ages, genders and backgrounds working together for gender equality”, she said.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka meets women MPs from Moldova. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, during meeting with the speaker of Moldovan Parliament Andrian Candu. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur
Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka held high-level bilateral meetings with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament to underline that efforts should continue to develop the political, legislative and institutional frameworks for gender equality and empowerment of women in Moldova.
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nother event in which Ms. MlamboNgcuka participated was “Women-led solutions to ending violence against women – the journey of survivors of violence”. The play, performed by MADE Theater and supported by UN Women, illustrated the journey of women who found solutions to difficult issues and the hardships faced by the survivors of violence. The event ended with true stories told by women who managed to break the vicious circle of violence and, in spite of any prejudices, to become leaders in their communities or fight stigma against women living with HIV. Valentina Geamana, one of the violence survivors who subsequently opened a shelter to help other women, noted during the event that the Moldovan women should join efforts and put an end to domestic violence. “Let’s tell women and girls from Moldova that they are not alone”, she concluded. AUGUST 2017
Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, during Bilateral Meeting with Moldovan President Igor Dodon. Photo: UN Women/Ramin Mazur UN Magazine | 11
Rural poverty in Moldova is four times higher than urban one
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he National Human Development Report 2015/2016 indicates a growing gap between absolute urban and rural poverty – 19% of population living at poverty line in rural areas vs. 5% in urban areas, and recommends directing the policies and strategies towards middle class development. The study was developed by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives IDIS “Viitorul” and commissioned by UNDP Moldova. Although the average disposable income of the population increased twice between 2010 - 2015, the gap between urban and rural population has increased too. Hence, the urban-rural income gap doubled from 23.6% in 2010 to almost 42% in 2015.
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he poorest spend most on food and utilities, which makes them vulnerable to economic shocks. Besides financial inequalities, the most vulnerable groups - women, persons with disabilities, elderly and young people - are exposed to social inequalities in education, health, access to quality services, and participation. These inequalities are also amplified by the limited access to quality
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In Moldova inequalities are on the rise, being driven by lack of decent jobs, poor quality of services, urban-rural divide, systemic and endemic corruption and weak social inclusion and cohesion. Bridging the gap between the rich and poor, addressing complex and interrelated challenges and paving the way to prosperity and equality requires comprehensive and holistic approach and concerted efforts”,
noted DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova.
AUGUST 2017
utility services in rural areas. In the absence of an economic growth felt by rural residents, the remittances are the only ones to cover the consumption.
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he average consumption expenditures of the population increased by 12.8% in 2015 compared to 2014. The largest share of financial resources is spent on food, housing maintenance, clothing, transport and communications and only 0.6% is spent on education, compared to 42.1% spent on food. Women still earn on average by 12% less than men. The highest gender-based income gaps
disadvantaging women were reported in information and communications (-23%), industry (-18.3%), arts, leisure and recreation (-15.1%) sectors. Human development does not confine to income only. It also implies access to basic services. In rural areas, 8 out of 10 wells are polluted. Only 43% of villagers have access to drinking water compared to 90% of urban population. The poorest population spends on average up to 15% of the disposable income on minimal standard of drinking water and sewage service, which costs too much. There is a significant gap in
the access to public services for the persons with disabilities. Over 70% of the public institutions are not equipped with access ramps.
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he report recommends directing the policies and strategies towards middle class development, because it accounts for a large share of the population, and hence, will gain access to quality services that would contribute to a sustainable human development. At the same time, it is necessary to build the resilience capacity to external shocks and natural disasters, which usually affect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
For other National Human Development Reports, please visit /http://hdr.undp.org/ AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 13
GLOBAL GOALS
Moldova has committed to achieving 106 targets for a better life by 2030
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he Republic of Moldova has committed to achieving 106 targets for a better life by 2030. The respective targets represent the outcome of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’s nationalization. Moldova has committed to implement the 2030 Agenda jointly with the other 192 UN Member States by adopting the Declaration of the Sustainable Development Summit that took place in
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September 2015 in New York. The Agenda aims to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals focusing, first of all, on eradicating poverty by 2030 and ensuring global sustainable development. To be significant, feasible and efficient, the Agenda has been adapted to the local context, following consultations. The Moldovan State Chancellery, with the support of the United Nations,
conducted consultations with over 200 persons and analyzed more than 60 comments. Lilia Palii, General Secretary of the Government reiterated her gratitude to the United Nations for the support to the process of nationalization of the SDGs and for the commitment to support the Government’s efforts in developing the new framework for strategic planning - Moldova 2030.
We launched another partnership initiative of strategic importance for the future of Moldova, which will lay the groundwork for transforming the country into a modern and prosperous state where no one is left behind. The UN development system, Swiss Development Cooperation and the State Chancellery in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders and partners commenced the elaboration of National Development Strategy Moldova 2030. This will be a holistic and comprehensive agenda, which will be fully aligned with peoples’ aspirations, national priorities and country’s regional and global commitments”,
declared DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova. 14 | UN Magazine
Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Moldova AUGUST 2017
ECONOMIC
GOALS: 8 Decent work and 11 Sustainable cities and economic growth communities 9 Industry, innovation 12 Responsible consumpand infrastructure tion and production
GLOBAL GOALS
GOALS:
SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENT
1 No poverty 2 Zero hunger
3 Good health and wellbeing 4 Quality education
GOALS: 6 Clean water and 13 Climate action sanitation 14 Life below water 7 Affordable and clean 15 Life on land energy GOALS:
GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
5 Gender equality 10 Reduced inequalities 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions
Following these consultations with relevant actors, it was recommended to integrate 106 targets of the 2030 Agenda into national policy documents. The authorities will further adjust sector strategies and budgetary programmes to implement the proposed commitments.
Lilia Palii, General Secretary of the Government
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The global development agenda may become, in the Republic of Moldova, a successful one only if, at this time, the country will make a correct prioritization of the targets to be achieved, by correlating them with the reforms agenda and the expectations of society. It is important to analyze the results obtained during its implementation, to adjust our priorities and targets at national level, considering as reference the development objectives agreed at international level",
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he 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is very complex and includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) that cover all key development areas: economic, social, environment, governance, and human rights. The nationalization report states that the national policy agenda is only partly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and one third of the targets are not reflected in any national policy papers. Only 11% of the global targets are aligned with national policy documents and hence, do not require further adjustments.
17 Partnerships for the goals
At the same time, most targets (57%) are currently only partially aligned with key policy documents of the Republic of Moldova, with only some components of these targets found in these documents. Thus, the relevant national strategies have to be adjusted to reflect better the spirit and details of the SDGs targets. Most of the already aligned targets are in environment sector, with the least aligned ones in governance and human rights sectors.
Participants at the roundtable on the report on Nationalization of the Sustainable Development Goals, July 4, 2017
said LILIA PALII, General Secretary of the Government AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 15
AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day
UN staff supports the campaign ”Ending AIDS together!”
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aising people’s awareness about HIV/AIDS, including increasing tolerance towards the people living with HIV, expanding the access to prophylaxis, testing, treatment, care and support services were the main objectives of the awareness-raising campaign with the slogan “Ending AIDS Together”. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held on May 21 to commemorate the people who died from AIDS, is a community mobilization campaign, which targeted about 34,700 people (directly), of which about 10,000 in the Transnistrian region (including 2,000 drivers). The Positive Initiative Association organized a flash-mob called “Commemoration Light” in the National Square in Chisinau, during which dozens of police cars, fire trucks and emergency vehicles placed in letters to form the slogan STOP AIDS connected the flashing and warning lights, while a few hundred people laid lights on a huge ribbon.
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t the entrance of the institutions that joined the campaign, including the UN House, staff and visitors received red ribbons, flyers and informational keyrings. Also, representatives of these entities (including the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice, the UN agencies, the
Department of Penitentiary Institutions, the General Police Inspectorate, the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Dermatovenerology and Communicable Diseases Hospital and others) participated in the “Ending AIDS together!” flash-mob. They took individual and group photos, holding the letters of the “Ending AIDS together!” slogan.
Informing the general population about HIV and AIDS
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uring the outdoor activity called “I know. I Support. I join”, those who wanted could take rapid HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis tests. A total of 137 people were tested (hepatitis C was detected in 3 cases and syphilis in one). Some of the windows of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection were illuminated in red, improvising a ribbon - the symbol of solidarity.
Red Ribbon projected on the building of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection
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t the same time, outreach activities, roundtables, workshops, and Quests for young people, as well as the “Safety Route” event to inform drivers about HIV, took place in over 35 towns on both banks of the Nistru River. During the campaign, 4 public video and audio spots were broadcasted in the municipal public transport and shopping centers. Additionally, street banners were installed in 6 cities displaying the pictures of well-known people who supported the campaign.
Flash-mob ”Commemoration Light”
Youth involved in City Quest
There were 832 new HIV infections in 2016 and 11,043 people living with HIV at the end of 2016 in the Republic of Moldova. The number of HIV positive people who died in 2016 was 246 and 3,137 HIV positive people died from the beginning of the epidemic. At the end of 2016, 4,491 people were on antiretroviral treatment. 16 | UN Magazine
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23 localities will enjoy better communal services as a result of migrants’ involvement
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ver 200 thousand persons from 23 localities will benefit from projects aiming to improve local infrastructure and bring better living conditions, initiative that became possible thanks to migrants’ engagement. So, over 792 thousand USD will benefit 18 villages and 5 cities. Out of this amount, approx. 118.6 thousand USD represent migrants’ donations, collected via Guvern24 crowdfunding platform. Approx. 214 thousand USD were provided by local authorities, and 460 thousand USD – by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in the framework of the Migration and Local Development Project (MiDL), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova.
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These projects implemented with the support of migrants and local authorities are a first example that things can be changed at home. Most of the communities are at an advanced stage of local projects’ implementation”,
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This is an important sector for the village, where approx. 1,120 persons live. This road is impossible to be used, especially during winter. Not even the ambulance can reach persons in need residing in this area. Moreover, about 70 children attending the kindergarten on this street, were also affected. We are extremely grateful to each our migrant for contributing to a better life of the ones remaining home”,
Construction of 1.2 km road segment in Gura Galbenei with co-financing from migrants
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notes VICTOR STINA, Mayor of Gura Galbenei. In Selemet, Cimislia, an ecological market is being built, coming to substitute the existent improvised one, where up to now, farmers from the village and neighborhood sell their products, including milk and meat, on the street, over a 1 km length road. Despite precarious conditions, it is the only income sources for many.
says OLESEA CAZACU, Migration and Local Development Project Manager.
The ecological market will host smoked products, milk and meat producers, who will have the chance to commercialize their products in adequate sanitary conditions. Also, the area of the market will be properly designed, endowed and fenced. The commercial object has all utilities ensured and will generate additional incomes for farmers”, says TATIANA BADAN, mayor of Selemet.
23 projects were selected on a participatory basis, following large consultations with local population and migrants living abroad. To ensure transparency, local authorities actively inform the community about each stage of funds’ disbursement, via social networks, live sessions, informative panels, press releases.
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herefore, these 23 communities shall benefit from better water supply, waste management, road maintenance, sports and recreation, street lightening services. In Gura Galbenei village, Cimislia, thanks to 7.8 thousand USD mobilized from migrants, 1.2 km of road is being repaired.
Tatiana Badan, Selemet mayor, explains specifics of the agri-food market under construction
The 23 localities beneficiaries of the Migration and Local Development Project were selected on competitive basis in 2015. AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 17
First Classical Music Concert in Tighina Fortress held with support of the EU-funded and UNDP-implemented “Support to Confidence Building Measures” Programme
EU brings classical music for the first time to the Tighina Fortress
F The concert was part of La La Play Tour of the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra
or the first time, classical music, played by artists from both banks of the Nistru River, was performed in the famous fortress built in the XV century, nowadays – a popular touristic attraction. The event was possible thanks to the European Union’s support, as part of the “Support to Confidence Building Measures” Programme, implemented by the UNDP. Fans of classical music from the right and left bank of the Nistru River, as well as foreign tourists, came to the Tighina Fortress to enjoy the songs of famous composers: the Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven, "The Hungarian Dance No. 5" by Johannes Brahms, Eugen Doga's waltz "My sweet tender beast", or songs of the composer Anton Rubinstein, the last two were born in Ribnita, the left bank of the Nistru River.
The concert was possible due to the financial support of the EU 18 | UN Magazine
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Since the foundation of the Orchestra in 2011, we strive to make classical music accessible to all. I am happy that we have performed this concert together with musicians from the Tiraspol Palace of Culture. We had a very good partnership”,
said ADRIANO MARIAN, Moldova National Youth Orchestra’s conductor.
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mentioned ANEIL SINGH, Head of Cooperation to the EU Delegation in the Republic of Moldova.
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This is an amazing event in an amazing place. I’d love to return here”,
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noted a German tourist.
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This event is more than just a joint performance – this is a real cultural bridge, and I’m sure people want to see more of, and we will be happy to support. I am glad that in their efforts to achieve this objective, the musicians asked for the support of the EUfunded Support to Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP. This is what we are doing together with our strategic partner – the European Union – we engage people living on both banks of the Nistru River in joint initiatives, so that they have the possibility to make their lives better”,
said DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.
Performance by musicians of the Tiraspol Palace of Culture
Such events as today’s serve to promote both the common cultural heritage as well as the exquisite tourist attractions including monuments, as this amazing fortress is. We hope that this concert is a beginning of new partnerships between the both banks of the Nistru River. I am glad to ensure you that the EU is and will be supporting the initiatives bringing the communities closer in the spirit of confidence and cooperation”,
Dafina Gercheva underlines the role of involvement of people living on both banks in joint initiatives
Bender locals and foreign tourists enjoyed the concert and the venue
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a, La Play tour has the purpose to play classical music in places where it has never been performed, highlighting important social topics. The Tighina event was attended by hundreds of visitors, including tourists. They enjoyed the concert, had a tour of the fortress and tasted traditional food. The inhabitants of Tighina town say that would welcome organization of similar events, as the fortress is a unique historical place and one should make full use of its potential.
Composers Eugen Doga and Anton Rubenstein were born in Ribnita, on the left bank of Nistru
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he European Union funded “Support to Confidence Building Measures” Programme implemented by UNDP contributes to enhancing confidence between people living on both banks of the Nistru River by involving the representatives of local authorities, business environment, and civil society in joint projects of business development and social infrastructure improvement. UN Magazine | 19
A social creche has opened in Glodeni for young children from vulnerable families
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social crèche BUBURUZA, with a capacity of 12, opened its doors to young children in Glodeni this summer. This free social service was created by CCF / HHC Moldova together with Glodeni Town Hall within a project implemented in partnership with UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection. The crèche accommodates children aged between 4 months and 3 years from vulnerable families and at risk of separation from parents because of poverty or other social difficulties. They receive the best care from educators throughout the day there, while their parents, especially solitary mothers or fathers, can seek employment.
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Children receive care from educators, allowing parents to have a job
he crèche is well equipped and works similarly to a kindergarten. Children receive early childhood care: walks, changing diapers, good nutrition, sleep, play time etc. Upon completion of the renovations, the crèche management was taken over by Glodeni Town Hall, which will continue to finance this very important service. The social crèche in Glodeni is one of the results of the project “Young children – understanding needs, developing services, reforming the system”, implemented by CCF / HHC Moldova in partnership with UNICEF. The total cost of renovations and refurbishment is about 20,000 Euros.
In 2012, the social crèche service, developed by CCF / HHC, was awarded by the Austrian ERSTE Foundation for Social Innovation. Also, the service has been included in the UNICEF Compendium for Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a successful practice in supporting young children at risk. In over 13 years of work in the child protection system, CCF / HHC Moldova has opened 5 social crèches. 20 | UN Magazine
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First beneficiaries of the social creche in Glodeni
Inauguration of the social creche in Glodeni AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 21
Roma children attending the Day center opened by the project
More Roma children to have access to quality education
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ccess to quality education of Roma children from Vulcanesti is the goal of a project implemented by UNICEF Moldova in partnership with the Youth Resource Center DACIA.
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The project with a budget of over 100,000 USD aims to provide learning opportunities to enable Roma children from Vulcanesti to actively participate in education so that they benefit from a quality
learning experience. The project was designed based on the findings of the “Roma children and their access to services” study, conducted with the participation of Roma people in three localities in Moldova.
The project aims to work closely with parents of Roma children, to form new attitudes and change behavior towards an active involvement in ensuring quality education for their children”,
said ION BABICI, the President of Youth Resource Center DACIA. Angela and Adrian Lefter, members of Roma community, speaking about education 22 | UN Magazine
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The right to education is a fundamental right stipulated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Moldova is a party along with other 194 countries. This right is essential for all children of all groups and ethnicities”,
said NUNE MANGASARYAN, UNICEF Representative to Moldova
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said the former Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family, ANASTASIA OCERETNII.
Roma families from Vulcanesti and Cioresti attending the event
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he “Roma children and their access to services” study highlighted many deep-rooted problems and perceptions that lead to school non-attendance and even dropout among Roma children. The project objectives will be achieved by empowering local authorities, teachers and parents to provide support in educating Roma children. Over the last few years the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection approved and implemented action plans to support the Roma people,
The Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family will continue to develop and implement inclusive policies to address the needs of the Roma children and families”,
to promote the inclusive education system, which contributes to the integration and increased employment of the Roma people, improved access to health care services for Roma, etc.
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he study reveals that the inclusion of Roma children in preschool institutions is difficult and marked by deep-rooted perceptions. Education is perceived by Roma as learning to read and write, with most children getting only primary school education. Not attending preschool
institutions and the language barrier lead to children having difficulty adjusting to school program and requirements, loss of interest and, ultimately, dropout. The project is consistent with the priorities of UNICEF Moldova to improve access to quality education for all children, as well as with the government objectives set in the 2011-2020 National Program for Inclusive Education Development and the 2016-2020 Action Plan to Support the Roma People in Moldova.
According to the official statistics, there are more than 9,000 Roma people in Moldova, i.e. 0.3% of the country’s population. AUGUST 2017
UN Magazine | 23
Xenia wants to go to school pol district, on the left bank of the Nistru River, to paediatric hospitals in Chisinau and sometimes to Moscow and back. Doctors’ efforts, parents’ perseverance and Xenia’s ambition did wonders and now she can talk, perfectly coordinate hand movements and hopes that one day she will be able to walk. Tatiana, Xenia’s mother, cannot even imagine it any other way. In fact, she believes that her daughter will get a good education and will succeed in life. This was not always the case. Until recently, the woman did not even dare to dream of this.
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atiana participated in the trainings organised by the Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights under the “Cross river support to human rights on both banks of the Nistru” Programme. The Programme, funded jointly by the EU and the Swedish Government, aims to encourage the persons with disabilities and their families to protect their rights and helps them get the place they deserve in the society.
" Tatiana with her daughter, Xenia, taking part in an outreach event organized by OHCHR
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he will soon turn six, but keeps telling everyone that she is four. That is how she likes to answer the question about her age. Xenia, or Xiusha (as her parents use to call her), is a cheerful and positive girl, with a wise look of an adult in her eyes. When asked about kindergarten, she doesn’t know what to say, but she definitely 24 | UN Magazine
knows she wants to go to school. Xenia was born prematurely, at only 27 weeks. When she was eight days old, doctors delivered a harsh verdict – because of cerebral palsy the girl would never be able to walk and talk. The first two years of her life were the hardest ones. The girl spent them traveling from the small village of Butor in the Grigorio-
I am so grateful for these trainings. Now I know plenty of things that are useful for my child and for other children. I want to thank you for opening my eyes and showing me the way to move forward. We need this support in order to know what to do and where to go’, TATIANA says.
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enia never went to kindergarten. The system rejected the girl, condemning her to isolation at home, despite the fact that she talks, is sociable and eager to communicaAUGUST 2017
te with other children. The concept of inclusive education does not exist on the left side of the Nistru River and almost all the children with disabilities are left beyond the mainstream education. Instead, they are placed in specialised institutions, or stay at home, at best.
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efore her participation in the Programme, Tatiana did not know that things could be different. When the kindergarten did not allow her to stay with Xenia at least for a few hours per day, she did not insist, since this situation was common in the society. She didn’t know that one of her fundamental rights was violated – the right to quality education, on an equal basis with other children, without segregation and marginalisation.
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ccording to the statistics, about 21,000 persons with disabilities live on the left bank of the Nistru River. Most of them are socially excluded and limited in their rights to education, labour, health and family, being totally dependent. With the help of the “Cross river support to human rights on both banks of the Nistru” Programme some of them will learn about their rights and will be able to protect them. And who knows, maybe now, when her mother is better informed, Xenia’s dream will come true and the girl will soon go to school together with other children.
Persons with disabilities from the Transnistrian region are mobilizing to claiming their rights This programme has been initiated following the recommendations of the UN expert on human rights Thomas Hammarberg, who undertook a visit to the Transnistrian region back in 2013. Additionally, a monitoring visit was undertaken in 2015 by the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities who also made some recommendations for the Republic of Moldova. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights responded to these recommendations by launching this Programme that is AUGUST 2017
Organizations and initiative groups on both banks of Nistru agree to join the Sustainable Community Development Platform and defend rights of persons with disabilities.
dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities.
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he programme aims to start a constructive human rights dialogue and encourage the civil society and the persons with disabilities to know and defend their rights. So far almost 200 women and men, including persons with disabilities, from both banks of the Nistru River have taken part in outreach and training activities organized by the Programme. Some participants from the rural areas, who did not know to read or to write, heard for the first time about human rights, realizing that they should not be treated differently from others.
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nother important programme activity is the development of the Sustainable Community Development Platform, which will facilitate the cooperation between the non-governmental organizations and initiative groups, helping the persons with disabilities from the Transnistrian region to get their voice heard. They will learn to work together, especially
in the process of designing community services to make their everyday life easier. During an event organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on July, 27 initiative groups and organizations committed to work on this and expressed publicly their intention to sign a memorandum of understanding and to join the platform.
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n essential component of the programme is creation of the community services mentioned above in 2 or 3 localities in the Transnistrian region, which comply with the international standards on the rights of persons with disabilities. These services include legal and psychological support and employment assistance for the people with disabilities, so that to have more such people from the Transnistrian region who will benefit from equal access to services and a better life. The programme is expected to be just the first phase of a large-scale initiative that will extend in the future to other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in that region. UN Magazine | 25
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Historic decision for the justice sector in Moldova: young man with psychosocial disabilities regains legal capacity
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She mentioned that she wanted her son to be able to exercise all his rights when she is gone and that she did not want an outsider or an institution to make decisions for him.
24-year old man with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities regained full legal capacity and the opportunity to live a full and independent life, in conditions of dignity and on an equal basis with others. This was a historic decision for the Moldovan justice ruled by the Chisinau court of first instance. The human rights organizations welcomed this decision, and encouraged its replication across the entire judicial system.
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he young man was deprived of legal capacity at the request of the guardianship authority at the age of 18. Hence, he was deprived of the right to make decisions for himself, including the right to family, to work, to decide on the medical treatment and life style and to plan his life, in general. In 2016, when the young man’s mother found out about the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and namely article 12 that guarantees legal capacity to all persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others, she decided to go to court to restore her son’s rights. Her decision was also underpinned by many cases of abuse of the people deprived of legal capacity. 26 | UN Magazine
T Veaceslav Balan, National Coordinator of the UN Office for Human Rights in Moldova
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People with disabilities have equal rights to make decisions about their life. This is why, deprivation of legal capacity is a violation, and these people should have their rights restored”,
mentioned VEACESLAV BALAN, National Coordinator of the UN Office for Human Rights in Moldova.
he court’s decision was in line with the international standards and legislation, especially with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In court, the young man was assisted by the UN Office for Human Rights and the Institute for Human Rights of Moldova. There are about 5,000 persons deprived of legal capacity in the Republic of Moldova, of which 600 were declared incapable after the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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n April 12, 2017, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recommended the Republic of Moldova to take more measures to improve the situation of these persons, including “to restore full legal capacity for all the persons with disabilities and to revise the guardianship system and introduce assisted decision-making mechanisms”. AUGUST 2017
Major health gains achieved through working together: 15 years of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network
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ine south-eastern European countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Israel, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – have signed a new, far-reaching cooperation pledge to continue improving the health and well-being of their populations at the end of the 4th South-Eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum held in Chisinau. The Republic of Moldova currently holds the rotating Presidency of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network. “The cooperation pledge of the nine south-eastern European countries builds on past achievements and aims to bring them forward,” stressed Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, who has made supporting the Network a priority in her work.
Member countries of the South-Eastern Europe Health Network sign a new Cooperation Agreement to improve health and well-being of citizens
develop policies allowing citizens to donate organs and blood voluntarily, including to cover blood shortages during emergencies; provide mutual support in reducing the health consequences of smoking and alcohol consumption, poor diet and lack of physical activity; strengthen surveillance systems and health monitoring, particularly in relation to influenza viruses; conduct joint work on mental health policy reform, training of health care workers and community engagement; and address a number of public health areas such as health services legislation; cross-border public health; and health inequities, social inclusion and human rights.
Over 15 years of making progress together The South-Eastern Europe Health Network has shown the benefits of cross-country cooperation in public health by providing a platform to identify and address common challenges. Over the last 15 years, data from the nine south-eastern European countries indicate that: infant mortality has decreased by more than half in some countries; new cases of tuberculosis have halved – an outstanding achievement compared to other parts of the WHO European Region; total health expenditure has tripled, while it has less than doubled in the Region as a whole; patients’ direct out-of-pocket payments for health have dropped by 1%, while they have registered an average increase in other countries in the Region. Health reforms in the Network’s countries show a decisive move towards universal health coverage and people-centered health systems. ProAUGUST 2017
Ruxanda Glavan, Former Minister of Health: Health Network contributed to increasing benefits of cross-border cooperation in public health
gress continues in these areas as countries work together to: tackle the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance through developing and implementing national plans;
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hallenges remain, and boosted common efforts are needed to address them. These challenges include declining rates of measles and diphtheria vaccination; unequal health coverage; and additional pressure on health systems from refugee and migrant flows – particularly in front-line countries. UN Magazine | 27
Journalists from Tiraspol received training in coverage of health issues
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3-day training module was delivered to journalists on health issues, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors in Tiraspol at the end of June, 2017. The training course took place in the context of WHO technical support to improve the efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases and their risk factors and the agreed communication and media activities. The training was delivered upon a request from the local health partners from Tiraspol and aimed to acquaint the local mass-media with the current global and regional health matters and trends, terms as NCDs and the 4 risk factors (tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet). Taking into account the previous successful trainings for journalists, WHO work in the areas of NCDs, the awareness campaigns on tobacco and alcohol control in the region, a group of 16 journalists from different media outlets expressed interest to participate in the training.
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he course was conducted by media trainers from MediaTrain Company from the United Kingdom, under the coordination of WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova. The objectives of the training were to: develop the journalists’ skills to report on NCDs related issues, especially tobacco and alcohol control; introduce the trainees to WHO latest findings and data on tobacco control; facilitate the process of finding reputable resources that journa-
Journalists learn about global and regional health issues, including tobacco and alcohol control
lists can use to write stories about NCDs and their risk factors.
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I really enjoyed the course. I learned how to use in correct way statistics, figures, quotes, WHO publications and how to write catchy and useful stories about health matters for my readers”,
mentioned OXANA IGNATIEVA from “Adevarul Nistrean” newspaper. The training program was a mixture of presentations, interactive sessions
and writing exercises. Special presentations were also delivered by the WHO team on NCDs, WHO global work, WHO webpages and health data resources.
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HO support for this training is included in the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) 2016–2018 between the Moldovan Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection and WHO/Europe. The initiative is financially supported by WHO and the “Support to Confidence Building Measures” Programme funded by the European Union and coordinated by WHO as part of the technical assistance and capacity building activities in the health sector.
The training included presentations, interactive sessions and practical exercises 28 | UN Magazine
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Alternative to incarceration for people who use drugs - a solution for the Republic of Moldova
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ublic debates on the alternatives to detention for drug dependency were held in the cities of Chisinau, Orhei, Balti, Comrat and Cahul between June 26 and July 3. The debates were attended by deputy ministers, heads of Police Inspectorates, narcologists and psychologists from Public Health Centres, representatives of the Probation Office, relevant NGOs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The participants in the debates discussed the benefits of the alternatives to incarceration for the people who use drugs, accepting dependency as a disease, and expressed their views in an online vote.
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Thousands of people go to prison each year across the world and in Moldova because of drug use, while this is a burden for both the criminal justice system and taxpayers. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs adopted 56 years ago (1961) recommended the member states to develop balanced drug policies, counter drug trafficking and provide assistance, rehabilitation and treatment for the drug dependency�,
said INA TCACI, National HIV/AIDS Coordinator, UNODC.
Alternative measures to detention for people who use drugs debated by the representatives of international organizations, civil society, police, health and justice authorities
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The role of the community, the involvement of the people is important. It is important to explain the harm caused by drug use, and also to realize that a person with such a dependency is not a criminal, but rather a sick individual who needs rehabilitation",
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added ALEXANDRU PINZARI, Head of the General Police Inspectorate. "The families whose members suffer from dependency go through real tragedies and we are not suggesting that drug dependency is a malady like any other, this is an ailment resulting in reckless actions with serious consequences that cause pain to both the person and the family members. The proposed solution is treatment and rehabilitation, and in no way imprisonment", mentioned Ruslan Poverga,
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he participants also learned about the views of the law enforcement, health, justice authorities, civil society and international organizations regarding the fact that the Government has to put in place balanced policies to tackle illegal drug trafficking and use. The debates featured the success stories of the people who defeated the disease, reintegrated into society, and even started successful businesses.
general manager of the Positive Initiative NGO.
Participants at the public debate in Comrat
I am very happy that finally people talk about it as a disease rather than just a choice, a fad or a lifestyle an individual has chosen. Doctors have long talked about it - alcoholism, drug use, smoking - are diseases that need to be treated alongside other diseases",
said ALIONA SERBULENCO, Former Deputy Minister of Health.
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he importance of alternatives to incarceration for drug users stems from the very definition of dependency - drug dependency is a chronic disease that affects multiple aspects of a person's life. To treat this medical condition, various treatment methods have been developed and are available, allowing the person to maintain control over his or her own health and have a balanced lifestyle that allows a stable remission of the disease and eventually reduces the criminal activity of the person. UN Magazine | 29
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
#WithRefugees
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orld Refugee Day is marked on June 20 all over the world. On this day, UNHCR honors the resilience and courage of more than 65 million people who have been forced to flee war, persecution and violence, but it is also a moment to recognize those communities and people around the world who receive refugees and the internally displaced in their midst, offering them a safe place and welcoming them in their schools, their workplaces and their societies.
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he number of refugees who found asylum in the Republic of Moldova is relatively small as the country is rather a transit than a destination one. Out of the 25,000 foreigners, only 500 are in need of international protection. Refugees in Moldova have a high potential for integration, as most speak Romanian or Russian and have mixed their families with Moldovan citizens. Some went back to their home countries after graduation in Chisinau, but forced to flee life threatening circumstances or war they returned to Moldova. Mohamad, a Syrian refugee, came to the Republic of Moldova for the first time when he was 17. He graduated
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Refugees are not a threat. They bring knowledge, skills and cultural heritage, which can only benefit the local economy, community and values. All refugees need is a fair chance to start life from scratch. They are resilient, courageous and look for our acceptance to be able to become self-reliant�, Head of UNHCR National Office in Moldova, TRAIAN TURCANU said.
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Mohamad Akrah during working hours
Having lost their homes, jobs, and sometimes even families, refugees do not give up. They find ways to start all over again. There are outstanding examples of this in villages, towns and cities on all continents of the world. e should Mohamad was awarded an contemAppreciation Certificate for participation plate the in the blood donation campaign fate of the millions of people who cannot return to their homes because of war or persecution and ask ourselves what each of us can do to overcome indifference or fear and embrace the idea of inclusion, to welcome refugees to our own communities, and to counter narratives that would seek to exclude and marginalize anyone. Because, when we stand together #WithRefugees, we also stand for diversity and respect.
from the Technical University. When the war started in Syria, he decided to come back to Moldova. He works as an engineer in Calarasi, got married and has a small daughter. He dreams that one day the war in Syria will end and he can reunite his family where he spent his childhood.
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5 SEPTEMBER
15 SEPTEMBER
International Day of Charity
International Day of Democracy
International Day of Peace
1 OCTOMBER
2 OCTOMBER
17 OCTOMBRIE
International Day of Older Persons
International Day of Non-Violence
International Poverty Eradication Day
25 NOVEMBER International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
1 DECEMBER World AIDS Day
21 SEPTEMBER
3 DECEMBER International Day of People with Disabilities
read online
10 DECEMBER International Human Rights Day http://magazine.un.md 32 | UN Magazine
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