VIDEO // EU Ambassador to Moldova met with survivors of repressive regimes at Memoria Center

Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova Iwona Piórko paid a visit to Memoria Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, where she met with the institution’s beneficiaries. The meeting was marked by first-hand testimonies from people whose lives have been affected by repressive regimes, abuses, and systematic injustices.

The visit offered an opportunity for an in-depth dialogue on the impact of historical and recent traumas on Moldovan society, highlighting the crucial role of specialized assistance centers in the process of victims’ recovery.

Destinies Marked by Repression

The discussions held by the EU Ambassador brought together survivors from various periods and crisis contexts. Among the participants were people who suffered as a result of Soviet deportations to Siberia, victims of the violence of April 7, 2009, as well as families of political detainees from the Transnistrian region.

Also present at the meeting were refugees who fled ongoing conflicts, each story serving as a painful reminder of the need to protect human freedom and dignity. The European official listened to accounts of the suffering endured, reiterating that respect for human rights is the foundation on which the European Union is built.

European Support for Fundamental Rights

Iwona Piórko reaffirmed the European Union’s firm commitment to remain a strategic partner for the Republic of Moldova in the field of protecting fundamental rights. European support is not limited to financial assistance, but also aims to strengthen justice mechanisms and the protection of those who have the courage to stand up for democratic values.

"The European Union remains a strong partner in protecting fundamental rights and in supporting those who have had the courage to speak out," Piórko emphasized.

The Role of Memoria Center in Social Rehabilitation

Memoria Center continues to be an essential pillar for people who have gone through traumatic experiences of torture or inhuman treatment. By providing medical, psychological, and legal services, the institution contributes to the social reintegration of victims and to preserving the collective memory of past abuses.

The European official’s visit underlines the importance of cooperation between international structures and local non-governmental organizations to ensure an environment in which human rights are respected and victims of injustice receive the recognition and assistance they need.