The UN in Moldova Magazine (Issue No. 1, 2016)

UN WOMEN

IN MOLDOVA

MEN

step forward for equality June 2016, #1

VOCATION TRANSFORMED INTO BUSINESS page 7 MOLDOVA ONCE AGAIN UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL page 4

BETTER PAID, SHORTER PARENTAL LEAVE CAN BEAT DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS page 15

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Magazine |1 Photo credit:UN Andrei Mardari

Summary

UN Resident Coordinator

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Moldova once again under the magnifying glass of the UN Human Rights Council

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Fight against corruption, conducted with international support

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Vocation transformed into business

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Photo contest explores perceptions of gender equality

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Moldova takes historic step to promote gender equality in politics

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The calm after the war storm First domestic report on behavioral and social determinants of adolescent health

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Magazine: UN in Moldova The United Nations in Moldova June 2016 Magazine Nr 1 (64) “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

Country committed to enhance its drug control policy

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More children will grow up in a family by 2017

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The Moldovan youth speaks out on the Code of Health

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Better paid, shorter parental leave can beat demographic crisis

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Back to Moldova: returning migrants and their reintegration

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Water-Diana, the woman who started a municipal enterprise and brought water to four villages

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Home sweet home: Moldovan natives support their communities

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Back Cover

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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: 200 copies If you want to receive a printed copy, write a message to moldova@one.un.org

Dear readers,

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his first issue of the UN in Moldova magazine in 2016 comes with a totally new format to bring you a better experience of what the UN family is doing in this country. I will be happy to get your feedback about this new format and our activities at moldova@one.un.org.

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After a momentous 2015 for Moldova, marked by protests and a string of successive governments, 2016 has come with a series of new accomplishments and challenges.

The new Agenda 2030, underpinned by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, came into force in January and gives the people of Moldova a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and modernize the country.

alking about accomplishments, after a long legislative process we have celebrated the approval of Law 71, setting out special measures to advance the equality of opportunities for women and men in Moldova. These include a 40% quota for both genders on party lists and in the Government cabinet, and 14 days of paid paternity leave for new fathers, covered by the state budget. The UN will now work together with its partners to make sure that these provisions are fully implemented.

The Moldova Innovation Lab (MiLab) – our joint initiative with the State Chancellery and the E-Government Center – is now supporting the re-design of public services based on the insights of the people who use them. The national tax authorities are adopting new methods to improve tax compliance by better understanding people’s behaviours.

The new tobacco control law is one of the most advanced in Europe and an important step towards improving people’s health. As of 31 May 2016, smoking in indoor places and all public spaces is banned, protecting people from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

The Diaspora Engagement Hub, which was recently established, provides grants to Moldovans living abroad for innovative and partnerships projects, thus

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encouraging professionals to come home for short-term exchanges, stimulating the transfer of human capital.

Decent jobs stay high on Moldovan people’s minds.

We are extending support to start-up entrepreneurs through training and seed funding along with our usual career development assistance via the five SYSLAB centers. The upcoming launch of the Business Innovation Lab and of the second round of innovation grants to small and medium-sized enterprises will further help create new income opportunities.

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To support the fight against corruption, the UN is helping the Parliament self-assess and develop its anticorruption systems and safeguards, starting with a code of conduct.

Likewise, the gaps allowing for corrupt acts in public procurement have been identified, and the UN has advanced specific recommendations to act on them for better transparency and integrity.

Among the challenges, let me stress the need to complete the processing of data from the 2014 population and housing census. The new Sustainable Development Agenda, which will guide development work in Moldova and all 193 UN Member States until 2030, needs timely and reliable data – to help formulate evidence-based policies, measure progress, and ensure that no one is left behind.

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any other challenges remain, including the implementation of the public administration and justice sector reform. The UN family in Moldova in partnership with other development actors will continue promoting sustainable development, eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and protecting the environment.

Every one of us can make a difference: in the new section of the UN Moldova website called “Get involved” you can find out how you can help.

DAFINA GERCHEVA, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova UN Magazine | 3

Moldova once again under the magnifying glass of the UN Human Rights Council

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n November 2016, the UN Human Rights Council will review the state of human rights in the Republic of Moldova since 2011. This is a part of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) repeated every four to five years, when each country undergoes a review of its human rights situation and progress.

Over the last two years, UNDP and the UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Moldova have supported national actors in writing and submitting their UPR reports. In April 2016 the two UN agencies jointly organised the first National Conference on UPR. This was an unprecedented occasion for 100 human rights practitioners, including representatives of the Ombudsperson Office and Equality Council, central

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public authorities and diplomatic missions present in Chisinau to discuss the state of human rights in Moldova.

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eaceslav Balan, OHCHR National Human Rights Coordinator, stated that this event “is a starting point for a public dialogue on recommendations submitted to the Human Rights Council by the National Human Rights Institutions and civil society”. He also added that this time over 30 alternative reports were written and submitted, “twice more than 5 years ago”.

As part of the activities that will follow the report submission, OHCHR will facilitate the participation of the civil society and National Human Rights Institutions in the UPR session on Moldova in Geneva. This will help JUNE 2016

Veaceaslav Balan, OHCHR National Human Rights Coordinator:

“Every country should pass an exam every four years to see how human rights work” “Recommendations are given for implementation and Moldova is going to show how they were deployed” “Voices of all segments of society must reach Geneva, not just the voices of governance” “How can we find out how the world sees Moldova from a human rights perspective? This report is the answer!”

Dumitru Roman,

Deputy Head of Reform, Policy and Report of People's Advocate Office:

“Moldova’s progress is modest. We have gaps in the implementation of policies and financial support for reforms”

generate a more open debate and pluralist information on human rights enforcement and infringement in the country.

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he UPR is based on three types of reports submitted to the UN Human Rights Council – a National Report, written by the government in close talks with civil society and national institutions for human rights protection; alternative reports written by civil society organizations, National Human Rights Institutions (Ombudsperson’s Office and Equality Council), UN agencies; and a compilation of data and recommendations on Moldova written by the OHCHR system.

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Ian Feldman,

Head of the Council on the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Ensuring Equality:

“Adjusted buildings for people with disabilities are a large backlog in Moldova. Not just in institutions but also in the streets” “We have no toilet in the institution. Not even a toilet for the disabled people.

That's a shame. If even the Council for Equality has no special toilet, what can we ask for from others?”

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Fight against corruption, conducted with international support

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ike most countries in the region, Moldova faces low public trust in its institutions and growing concern regarding the level of corruption in public and private sectors. In the Transparency International corruption perception index for 2015, Moldova ranked 103 out of 168 countries. This reflects the fact that people see corruption as pervasive and part of everyday life. A March 2016 poll conducted by the international non-profit organization International Republican Institute (IRI) listed corruption as second the most pressing problem that Moldova is facing at the moment, after unemployment.

To improve the performance of anti-corruption efforts, the Parliament of Moldova has applied, with UNDP support, an Anti-Corruption Self-Assessment Tool. This activity is part of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the EU - Republic of Moldova Association Agreement.

Another important document developed by the Parliament with UNDP assistance is the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Parliament of Moldova – the first such document in Moldova. “The Code of Conduct and Ethics will create a political culture enhancing the integrity and correctness the members of Parliament, and help build trust in state institutions. It will create a mechanism allowing the application of rules and sanctions”, said Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Moldova Deputy Resident Representative.

The Parliament’s efforts to prevent and fight corruption included a series of UNDP-supported consultations among factions. The discussions led to the establishment of a National Chapter of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) in Moldova.

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Institutions in Moldova have adopted a number of anti-corruption laws and policies in the past few years.

UNDP and the National Anti-Corruption Centre supported an assessment of corruption risks in the national public procurement system. The assessment report included mapping integrity risk areas and recommended measures for integrity and/or mitigation of corruption risks. An innovative aspect for this sector, proposed under the project, is the System of “Red Flags” indicators of fraud and corruption for the whole scope of the procurement process.

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o facilitate implementation of the System, UNDP, in partnership with the National Anti-Corruption Centre, trained 88 public agents, the staff of the internal audit sections of central public authorities and Chisinau municipality city hall to identify and to mitigate corruption risks in the public procurement process.

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Just like in other countries, people are unhappy about corruption and about their politicians’ behaviour. Moldova’s citizens need rules of ethics and conduct obeyed by everyone.”

NARINE SAHAKYAN, UNDP Moldova Deputy Resident Representative

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Vocation transformed into business Thirty young people from both sides of the Nistru River are making their first steps into the business world.

Marcela Moscovciuc, Orhei

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arcela Moscovciuc is a gifted embroiderer from Orhei, but her talent has extended far beyond the limits of her town. As her orders for embroidered garments began pouring in, Marcela began to think about starting her own business.

She applied for a grant offered by the EU through the United Nations Development Programme, about which she learned from social media. After her business plan was submitted, Marcela joined several trainings and now she is a proud owner of a stylized clothing studio in Orhei, her native town, where one can find gorgeous wedding dresses.

Vitali Koval, Dubasari

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MADE IN MOLDOVA WITH EU’S HELP

ith EU’s help, many Moldovans started their own business. Corn flakes, cherry tomatoes, trout, decorative plaster molds or designer furniture are just some of the goods that are already being sold by the young entrepreneurs.

JUST GETTING STARTED

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t a conference called Business Bridges, where they were handed their grant certificates, the beneficiaries learned to promote their businesses. Even though they live on different banks of the Nistru River, they have to overcome the same challenges and they will have more opportunities if they cooperate. For many of them, doing business is something new, that’s why they will receive coaching from professional consultants during 14 months.

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itali Koval from Dubasari, on the left bank of the Nistru river, was seeking to emigrate to Russia, but the news that he was among the winners of a grant – “the ticket to a safer future”, as he calls it – changed his mind. Vitali started a dairy farm that will bring benefits both to his family and to eight more people that he will employ.

The project Creating Employment Opportunities by Empowering Young People on Both Banks of the Nistru River is implemented within the “Support to Confidence Building Measures” Programme, in partnership with Business Consulting Institute and the Tiraspol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Programe helps to build trust between people on both banks of the Nistru River, and is financed by the EU and implemented by UNDP Moldova.

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UN Magazine | 7

Photo contest explores perceptions of gender equality The contest also included three “Public Sympathy” awards which were selected by those who took part in the public debates. People voted for a photo of a woman fire-fighter by Irina Chirniiciuc, a picture of a man racing in a wheelchair by Elena Perevalova and a photo of two boxing women by Andrei Ghilan.

One of the photos which won the nomination “Inspiring Women”. Author: Andrei Mardari, professional photographer

50 photos of amateur and professional photographers on the matter of gender equality, 30 exhibitions, over 15,000 visitors in 10 months and around 1,500 participants at the debates sessions are the results of the National Photo Contest “Equality through lenses” – “Women and men, seen through the lens of photographers: realities and inspirations”.

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articipants in the discussions voted on the best pictures based on photographic techniques as well as the gender equality issues reflected in each image.

“We took a small first step in raising the issue of gender equality among young people in many places we’d not yet reached. Moldovan society is open to gender equality and actions like ours have an impact,” said Ulziisuren Jamsran, UN Women Country Representative in Moldova.

One of the photos which won the “Public Sympathy” award.

Author: Andrei Ghilan

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survey was conducted among those who voted and took part in the debates around the photographs.

More than 57 per cent of the 1,042 respondents were women. More than half of the respondents believe that gender equality is not respected in Moldovan society.

The “Equality through lenses” photo project ran from July 2015 to April 2016. The photo contest was organized

by Profile, a PR agency, with support from the UN “Women in Politics” Programme, implemented by UN Women and UNDP, in partnership with the East Europe Foundation and Centre Partnership for Development, with financial support of the Government of Sweden. Selected photographs and their messages do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of the UN “Women in Politics” Programme, of other implementing partners or donors.

50 selected photos by the jury were presented in 30 exhibitions, accompanied by debate sessions, both in terms of shooting techniques and of the gender equality issue

Professional and amateur photographers received separate awards in two categories: “Inspiring Men” and “Inspiring Women.” Amateur photographer Olga Gnatcova, who won the “Inspiring Men” category, said: “There is not a clear understanding in Moldova of gender issues, and such exhibitions and debates certainly bring the subject closer to the public.”

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Olga Gnatcova, amateur photographer, winner of the nomination “Inspiring Men” JUNE 2016

Moldova takes historic step to promote gender equality in politics The Parliament of Moldova recently adopted a new law – No.71 – that, for the first time, introduces gender quotas for party list candidates and cabinet nominees.

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assed on 14 April 2016, it says that women and men must each make up a minimum of 40 per cent of every political party’s candidates and of cabinet nominees and amends 15 other national laws, including the Electoral Code, Law on Government and Labour Code of the Republic of Moldova.

It introduces 14 days paid paternity leave, prohibits sexist language and images in the media and advertising, establishes a Gender Equality Coordination Group in the central public administration and expands the responsibilities of local public authorities on gender equality.

Finalist photo of the National Photo Contest, at the category inspiring women. Photo credit: Alisa Marcenco

W Winning photo of the National Photo Contest, at the category inspiring men. Photo credit: Olga Gnatcova

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omen's representation in Moldovan politics and decision-making is currently below international benchmarks. Women hold 22 per cent of seats in Parliament and 31 per cent of government posts. The Law 71 does not make provisions for rank order of either gender on party lists. And while the establishment of a gender quota is aimed to ensure higher representation of women in political life, this aim can only be achieved if nominated women are placed in a position with a real chance of election. This would mean placing women at higher positions on party lists, equally as men, and not in lower places as has been the case during previous elections.

Adopting this law is an important step forward towards gender equality in Moldova.

It was made possible by a broad alliance of Parliamentarians, civil society organizations, government representatives, media and committed individuals acting together. It is now critical that we join forces and ensure the Law is fully implemented and all responsible institutions, but also the citizens of Moldova are fully aware of its provisions.”

ULZIISUREN JAMSRAN, UN Women Country Representative in Moldova

“A prosperous future for Moldova requires both women and men actively involved in decision-making and adopting this law was a must,” said Alina Zotea, one of Moldova’s youngest women MPs and an active Law 71 supporter.

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nother supporter of gender equality and of the Law 71, in particular, MP Tudor Deliu, asserted that “communities run by women have become more prosperous. Realizing this, we should therefore raise the role of women in politics,” concluded Deliu.

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Finalist photo of the National Photo Contest, at the category inspiring men.

Photo credit: Andrei Mardari, professional photographer UN Magazine | 9

The calm after the war storm

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atiana Salachova is 29. Now a refugee, Tatiana started her professional career in Donetsk, where she had her own creative corner: a beauty salon. But the war destroyed her dreams and her plans to continue developing her business in Donetsk. Searching for peace, she decided to leave Ukraine and move to Moldova together with her husband and son.

Now Tatiana and her family are living in Chisinau.

In a short period of time, she gained new clients, even if it took her a while to adapt.

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ith support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Tatiana got the chance to attend vocational training courses and obtain the national qualifications necessary to open a business in Moldova. Tatiana is a young professional, with new ideas and great potential to realize her dreams in a new country, which in a short time became a second home for her and her family.

Sensing the importance of giving back to the community that welcomed her, Tatiana volunteers by providing training courses in Beauty & Cosmetology for beneficiaries of the Charity Center for Refugees. Women attend her lessons with a great deal of pleasure, enthusiasm and passion.

Here they can overcome their problems and understand how to make an impact in their personal life, in their families and in society as a whole.

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“People are the same everywhere - they want to be beautiful, look younger and enjoy good service for good value. Looking back, I realize how important it is to get up after you have fallen - and to have someone close by every time you feel like giving up�

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First domestic report on behavioral and social determinants of adolescent health

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he first national Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) report in Moldova, issued in March 2016, presents the findings on the demographic and social determinants on the health of 6,642 young people from Moldova aged 11 to 17 from 118 education facilities.

HBSC is an international study conducted every 4 years in 44 countries and regions across Europe and North America. Collecting evidence on school-aged children’s health, well-being, health behaviours and social context, it aims to improve national youth policies and the provision of targeted services.

Teenagers described their relations with family, peers and school, health outcomes and health behavior like patterns of eating, tooth brushing and physical activity, but also risk behaviors. The report found out that 77.4% of surveyed adolescents think about their health status as a good or excellent one, and a fifth of them considered their health to be “so-so” or poor.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH 6,642 YOUNG PEOPLE 118 education 11-17 age facilities HEALTH STATUS

77.4%

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he survey was carried out by the national HBSC research team under the Healthy Generation – Youth-friendly Health Services project implemented by the Health for Youth Association, in partnership with Neovita Youth-friendly Health Center, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, technical assistance from the World Health Organization, organizational support from the Ministry of Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “N. Testemitanu”, and Ministry of Education.

Data presented in the national HBSC report can be accessed at www.md.one.un.org.

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consider their health to be “so-so” or poor

22.6%

BODY MASS INDEX every 8th teenager has excess body weight

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ost adolescents have a normal Body Mass Index, but every 8th teenager has excess body weight and every 5th - mass deficit. Girls are more likely to believe that they are overweighing and are following a diet twice as often as boys.

Only half of respondents are having breakfast every day, and every 10th – has no breakfast at all. 89.9% of teenagers have indicated brushing their teeth once a day. Only 23% of adolescents have practiced physical activity for a total of minimum an hour a day during last week, and 4.6% - had no physical activity at all.

think about their health status as a good or excellent one

every 5th teenager has mass deficit

BREAKFAST 50%

only half of respondents are having breakfast every day

10%

every 10th – has no breakfast at all

DENTAL HYGIENE

89.9%

teenagers have indicated brushing their teeth once a day

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

23% 4.6%

adolescents have practiced physical activity for a total of minimum an hour a day during last week adolescents had no physical activity at all UN Magazine | 11

Country committed to enhance its drug control policy

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he Republic of Moldova has one the best strategies in HIV prevention amongst people who inject drugs.

Therefore, members of the National Coordination Council on TB/AIDS of Moldova were invited to take part in a global consultation on the special UNAIDS paper on human rights and public health related to world drug control. The event took place in the period 19-21 April in New York and was organised ahead of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem.

33 Moldovan representatives of governmental institutions, development partners and civil society organizations supported, unanimously, the public health and human rights approach towards drug control.

Moldova is committed to continue providing harm reduction services, including needle syringe programs and opioid substitution treatment for all those in need, both civils and prison inmates.

It was also reiterated that Moldova still needs to scale up the access to quality services, eliminate inhibiting barriers and apply the most viable solutions based on evidence and best practices. Besides, new evidence-based treatments need to advance, as well as assistance services for new drugs.

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The declaration, signed by Ruxanda Glavan, Minister of Health and chair of the National Coordination Council on TB/AIDS was sent to H.E. Mogens Lykketoft, UN General Assembly president at that moment, Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC for consideration and adoption on a global scale.

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More children will grow up in a family by 2017

UNICEF and CCF/HHC Moldova launched a joint project to help create two social crèches for children who were previously in residential care, and to support 25 specialized foster families for children aged 0-3 and those with disabilities. As a result, over the next two years, up to 45 children from the temporary placement and rehabilitation center for children in Balti will find a new home.

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he reform of the child care system became a significant priority for UNICEF in Moldova over the last 10 years.

As a result, there are less than 4,000 children left in the institutions, and the number of children who are accepted in foster families, guardianship and family type homes increases.

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This initiative will contribute to prevention of the abandonment of children from vulnerable families, but also to social reintegration of children deprived of a supportive and caring family environment, favorable for a harmonious development.”

UNICEF, the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, the Ministry of Health and CCF/HHC Moldova signed a memorandum of understanding, confirming their commitment to decrease the number of children aged 0-3 and those with disabilities in residential institutions. The final purpose is granting protection and access to a family environment for all children – which is also in line with the priority for preventing institutionalization of children set by the Child Protection Strategy for 2014-2020, and with European trends.

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We are grateful to our development partner UNICEF for supporting the Ministry of Health in this complex reform.”

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There is an urgent need to develop alternative family care services for children under 3 years of age and those with disabilities. In Moldova no child under 3 should be put in an institution.”

RUXANDA GLAVAN, Minister of Health

NUNÉ MANGASARYAN, UNICEF Representative in Moldova

STELA GRIGORAS, Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family

However, children below the age of three and the ones with disabilities continue to be institutionalized. Children with disabilities rarely access alternative childcare services and are often institutionalized because they are rejected by their families or because of lack of professional support for the caregivers. However, disabled children are mostly affected by segregation, rather than their medical condition.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child says that vulnerable and at-risk children require special protection and care. It also emphasizes the role of the family in caring for children, and the State’s responsibility in providing support.

The $450,000 project, to which UNICEF contributed $300,000, is meant to reintegrate more children from residential institutions.

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The Moldovan youth speaks out on the Code of Health

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round 60 teenagers and young people aged 15-24 were encouraged to express their views on the new Moldovan Health Code during a 2-day consultation event.

The new Code of Health will facilitate the access to health services for young people and adolescents and is based on the best interest of the child, as required by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The participants to the event not only analyzed the impact of the law on their health, but also came up with recommendations to the policy makers in the Parliament and the Government of Moldova on how to make health services more accessible for young people, especially the most vulnerable ones.

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The access to health services is guaranteed by several articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This right is essential for children who belong to vulnerable groups and the voices of young people are extremely important in the process of drafting legislation.”

NUNÉ MANGASARYAN, UNICEF Representative in Moldova

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We are interested to have good and functional laws, developed in a participative manner, taking in consideration the opinion of all categories of concerned citizens. I am convinced that the involvement of youth in this consultative process will bring added value to its content, but, more important, will increase their confidence, will bring them new skills and empower them to protect their own rights.”

OXANA DOMENTI, Chair of the Parliamentary Commission for Social Protection, Health and Family

The event took place with the support of UNICEF, Parliamentary Commission for Social Protection, Health and Family, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

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Better paid, shorter parental leave can beat demographic crisis

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he Republic of Moldova is affected by serious demographic issues: an ageing population, labour migration and low fertility rates. For these reasons the number of people in the country is shrinking every year.

In this situation, it may look reasonable to introduce incentives for pregnant women and extend maternity leave. But, how appropriate such a solution be?

The experience of countries like Russia and Ukraine shows that in the long-term these measures do not work.

Expensive for the state budget, they also increase the number of families who link the decision to have children to receiving financial support from the Government. Evidence also shows that with every child born in a family struggling with poverty, the precarious situation worsens.

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he best inspiration for Moldova could come from Estonia and Poland: these countries have a shorter but better paid parental leave, when parents receive up to 100% of the previous salary.

This solutions were discussed during the first meeting of the International

Advisory Panel on Population and Development, created by the UNFPA to support countries from Eastern Europe and Central Asia in strengthening their demographic policies in response to population dynamics. Moldova is the first country to benefit from such expertise.

For these reasons the number of people in Moldova is shrinking every year.

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nother way of increasing the population is reducing access to contraception. France and Ukraine’s experience, however, proves that this measure is not effective. With a 75% use of modern contraceptive methods, France’s population is growing by 0.5% every year, and the fertility rate is at 2.0. For comparison, Ukraine, with a much lower modern contraceptive use of 48%, has a fertility rate of only 1.5 and experiences an annual population decline of 0.5%.

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BACK TO MOLDOVA: returning migrants and their reintegration

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igration has always been affecting Moldova, both economically and demographically. Since the early ‘90s, hundreds of thousands left the country in search of a better future for themselves and their families.

But recently a reverse trend has emerged: Moldovans are starting to come back, often after years of studying or working abroad.

To support the return of migrants and young graduates, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mission to Moldova is inspiring them to share the knowledge and skills obtained abroad. IOM also assists some of those who return to successfully reintegrate into the Moldovan society.

This year, IOM has helped 277 Moldovan migrants and overseas students from both banks of the Nistru River with their return and reintegration. Through an EU-funded program, migrants received information and financial support, which paid for their tickets back to Moldova and helped them find a suitable job upon return.

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ne of the young graduates who recently benefitted from the program is Ion Creanga, who returned with a Master’s Degree in Physics from Iasi, Romania.

He currently works as a Radiology Engineer in Moldova.

Even though he does not have yet the necessary equipment for his job, he is optimistic about the future.

Ion sums up the hopes of many Moldovans: “We have reached a time when the younger population of Moldova gets more and more involved in the issues of the country.

I think that young people can contribute to breaking the status quo by proposing initiatives that have the potential to help Moldova develop and exceed today’s living standards.”

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Moldovans are starting to come back, often after years of studying or working abroad.

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Water-Diana, the woman who started a municipal enterprise and brought water to four villages

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n the Republic of Moldova, over 60% of the rural population has no access to running water. Sewage systems are absent from 90% of localities; only 1 of 10 villages has sanitation services.

In 2015, with support from development partners and the State Chancellery, neighbouring localities joined forces to provide common services to their citizens.

Diana Ninescu has been the director of the Chetrosu inter-municipal enterprise for a year. Her company serves 18,000 people from four villages in northern Moldova. They now have running water, a modern garbage disposal service, and accessible roads.

The enterprise was created with the support of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme, implemented by UNDP and UN Women with the support of the Government of Danermark. “The biggest challenge, however, was to ensure their functionality. This kind of company needs to be led by a skilled manager, otherwise it is doomed to failure. The success we are registering in Chetrosu is largely due to the determination of Diana Ninescu”, said Ghenadie Ivascenco, UNDP consultant.

I WILL NOT BE DISCOURAGED, JUST BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN

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iana mentions that at the beginning her greatest problem was the fact that she is a woman and did not have all the engineering skills required in this domain.

“It took at least half a year to change the attitude of distrust I met as a woman in this position. Initially, I could not even get the mayors and members of the enterprise to listen to me when I tried to explain how I want to improve services at the municipal level. This attitude changed when they realized that I have a constructive approach and that I would not be discouraged, just because I am a woman”, says Diana.

PHOTO EPA © EU/ENPI INFO CENTRE

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oday, people from the four villages served by the enterprise only know her from the occasional phone call in case of emergencies or problems. However, her name is on everyone's lips: “Water-Diana”.

Diana feels proud of her work. “This means a better life for our senior citizens, for those who used to bring water from wells half a kilometer away, for mothers who now accompany their children to kindergarten on safer roads, and for the entire community that can enjoy a cleaner environment thanks to correct garbage disposal”, says Diana.

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UN Magazine | 17

HOME SWEET HOME: Moldovan natives support their communities

@SDC 25 mayors from Moldova expressed their intention to implement a new approach to enhance development through community engagement. To this end, local governments committed to make migration work for local development and transform this process from a challenge into an opportunity for these communities. A key element in this process is migrants’ engagement through the establishment of Hometowns Associations (HTAs) having the main goal to contribute to local development through joint projects implemented by local authorities with the community members, including migrants.

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he first Hometowns Associations Meeting took place in Lozova (Straseni). During the event, the 20 natives met to discuss with the mayor on the need to involve migrants for the village development and agreed to establish an HTA of Natives from Lozova. “To all of us, Lozova is a holy place.

I totally support the establishment of this Association and will put my shoulder to the wheel to make even my grandchildren be proud of Lozova”, said Nicolae Ciobanu, businessman, native of Lozova, elected Chair of the Association.

T

he participants discussed the main issues the village is facing and identified a set of solutions that should be jointly implemented in the next years. The first agreed project was to identify 15 vulnerable families in the village and offer them charity packages on the occasion of coming Easter Holidays.

The mayor of the Lozova village, Lilian Botnaru, declared that the community can boost notorious personalities who are natives of this community. “A significant share of the village population is abroad. As a local authority, we should make sure that these people are well informed about what is happening in their native community. We should also try to create better services for parents and children left behind as a consequence of migration, and only with joint efforts that we can make Lozova a better place to live”, the mayor of Lozova thinks.

During the Easter Holidays, 25 Moldovan communities established Hometown Associations, set priorities and launched over 70 small scale initiatives aimed to transform migration from a challenge into the greatest opportunity for local development.

@SDC 18 | UN Magazine

JUNE 2016

@SDC

@SDC

@SDC The activities are piloted in the framework of Migration and Local Development (MiDL) Project, implemented by UNDP Moldova in partnership with the Moldovan Government, with the financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

JUNE 2016

UN Magazine | 19

NO POVERTY

ZERO HUNGER

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

CLIMATE ACTION

LIFE BELOW WATER

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

LIFE ON LAND

QUALITY EDUCATION

GENDER EQUALITY

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

11 JULY

15 JULY

18 JULY

World Population Day

World Youth Skills Day

Nelson Mandela International Day

28 JULY

30 JULY

1-7 AUGUST

World Hepatitis Day

World Day against Trafficking of Persons

World Breastfeeding Week

12 AUGUST

8 SEPTEMBER

15 SEPTEMBER

International Youth Day

International Literacy Day

International Day of Democracy

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21 SEPTEMBER International Day of Peace http://magazine.un.md 20 | UN Magazine

JUNE 2016