Perception of human rights' observance improve in Moldova - study

Public perception of respect for human rights has significantly improved in Moldova in recent years. The average assessment of respect for rights and freedoms increased from 41 per cent in 2016 to 66 per cent in 2025, according to the study, Perceptions of Human Rights in Moldova. 2025 Public Opinion Survey, launched by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The most significant progress over the past two years has been perceived in the right to social protection, freedom of conscience, thought and religion, the right to education, as well as the right to health and medical assistance.

In 2025, the highest levels of respect were attributed to the right to freedom of movement – 80 per cent, the right to education – 79 per cent, and the right to vote – 78 per cent.

A positive trend was also recorded in the general assessment of the human rights situation. Some 24 per cent of respondents believe that respect for human rights has improved, compared with 18 per cent in 2023. At the same time, the share of those who believe that the situation has worsened fell from 42 to 31 per cent.

The level of population’s informing has also increased. Some 63 per cent of respondents consider themselves sufficiently informed about human rights, four percentage points more than in the previous study.

Another positive indicator concerns people’s willingness to seek help when their rights are infringed. The share of those who said they would not turn to any institution fell from 16 per cent in 2023 to 7 per cent in 2025. Most respondents identified the Police as the first institution they would ask for support – 50 per cent, followed by the Mayor’s Office – 17 per cent, and the Ombudsman – 9 per cent.

The study also reveals a favorable perception of respect for the rights of certain groups. Children are considered the group whose rights are best respected – 73 per cent, followed by women – 68 per cent and displaced persons or refugees – 60 per cent.

Ombudsman Ceslav Panico said that the results showed an improvement in perceptions of respect for human rights, but also highlight the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable groups.

The study, Perceptions of Human Rights in Moldova, has been conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman for approximately ten years, allowing developments to be compared over time. The 2025 edition analyzes the population’s level of informing, perceptions of respect for rights and freedoms, the functioning of protection mechanisms, children’s rights, the situation of displaced persons and, for the first time, the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region.