VIDEO // Human rights in Moldova's Transnistrian region: challenges, answers, European perspectives; Deputy PM says country to promote proactive approach to this end

The National Conference dedicated to the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region was held in Chisinau today. The event brought together representatives of national institutions and authorities, international organizations and the diplomatic corps, members of non-governmental organizations, civic activists and beneficiaries of the Promo-LEX Association from the Transnistrian region. The conference provided a platform for dialogue and analysis of the complex human rights challenges on the left bank of the Dniester, assessing the state's response and identifying strategic directions for action in the context of reintegration and the European path of Moldova.

Attending the event, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri  highlighted the multiple challenges faced by the constitutional authorities.

‘’The unresolved Transnistrian conflict and the lack of effective control over the territory on the left bank of the Dniester limit the capacity of our institutions to intervene. I have sent a letter to the Transnistrian political representative, demanding solutions to these problems and expressing Chisinau's concern about the situation of individuals held in illegal detention,’’ Valeriu Chiveri noted.

He drew attention to the serious situation of people in illegal detention on the left bank of the Dniester, emphasizing the need for state intervention to protect human rights.

‘’State institutions must make efforts to ensure, in accordance with the law, that representatives of unconstitutional structures responsible for human rights’ infringements are held accountable. We will promote a proactive approach in this regard,’’ Chiveri said.

The deputy PM said that victims of abuses, especially those recently released from illegal detention, would receive priority support.

‘’We have had discussions with relevant institutions, in order to identify solutions and forms of support that the government can provide to affected ones,’’ the official added.

Valeriu Chiveri said that, in the near future, he would visit the area, where he will meet farmers facing difficulties in conducting agricultural activities.

At the same time, the official also emphasized some positive trends, such as the increase in the number of children studying in the Romanian language.

Chiveri appreciated the efforts of civil society for constant involvement in addressing serious cases in the Transnistrian region and for the consistency proved in solving a significant number of individual cases of abuse victims.

The event was also attended by Máté Csicsai, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, who emphasized the importance of respecting human rights as a central element in the reintegration process and in strengthening the country's European trajectory.





IFrame

The conference was structured into three panels: Human Rights Challenges in the Transnistrian Region – a retrospective analysis of the situation from 2025, including serious fundamental rights’ violations, the militarization of education and propaganda, as well as alarming phenomena that require the authorities' attention; National Authorities' Response – discussion of intervention strategies, the existing normative framework, and citizens’ protection mechanisms, identifying gaps and urgent intervention needs; Reintegration and European Path Perspectives – analyzing the human rights dimension in the reintegration process, sectoral reintegration (education, security, social protection), population’s integration and strategic visions for territorial unification and harmonization with European Union standards.

The event was organized by the Promo-LEX Association, in partnership with the Security Zone Portal, with financial support from the Soros Moldova Foundation and the National Endowment for Democracy. The conference aimed not only to assess the current situation, but also to create a constructive dialogue space for identifying concrete, sustainable solutions, in line with international human rights standards and the reintegration process. The event reflects the commitment of Moldova to responsibly and professionally address the challenges in the Transnistrian region, in the context of its European path.

Moldova does not have full control over the Transnistrian region, which limits its ability to enforce national legislation and ensure human rights’ protection. The Promo-LEX Organization has been providing legal assistance and monitoring human rights’ infringements in the Transnistrian region for over 15 years. In the region, there are major problems related to access to education in Romanian language, illegal detentions, the militarization of schools and restrictions on civil freedoms. The conference aimed to create a constructive dialogue space between authorities, national and international experts and civil society, in order to identify practical and sustainable solutions.