Anti-Discrimination in Moldova: What’s Next?

*This public talk will be held in Romanian.

On paper, Moldova has a legal framework that provides a basis for combating discrimination and promoting equality — largely shaped by its aspiration to align with EU standards. Yet, a closer look at our society reveals major gaps between legal provisions and the actions of authorities or private actors.

Authorities have been ineffective in enforcing laws against discrimination-based violence, particularly gender-based violence, and have failed to adopt positive measures to protect victims of domestic abuse — despite repeated condemnations by the European Court of Human Rights and the ongoing presence of femicide in the media.

In the private sector, despite clear legal prohibitions, employers and service providers continue to discriminate on grounds ranging from race and gender to health status and age.

In this context, it may seem radical to ask ourselves and one another: how far has Moldova really progressed in combating discrimination, and what should be our next goals for strengthening legal protection mechanisms?