In order to achieve progress on human rightsprotection, the Republic of Moldova needs to continue its efforts to strengthen the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, while placing human rights at the forefront of ongoing reforms, the Council of Europe (CoE) Commissioner for Human Rights said.
Nils Muižnieks was on an official four-day visit to the country where he also travelled to Tiraspol. There, he discussed the human rights situation in the region, in particular concerning shortcomings in the penitentiary system, including measures to prevent overcrowding and to address the problem of tuberculosis and HIV.
According to the CoE Commissioner, strengthening the independence and efficiency of the Ombudsman institution, as well as enabling it to fully assume its role in promoting and protecting human rights standards, were necessary.
In addition, Muižnieks recommended that the Parliament appoint judges to the Constitutional Court as soon as possible, in order to ensure that the institution is fully functional. He stressed that “the ambitious reform strategy for the justice sector should receive adequate funding, including for increasing judges' salaries, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the required changes.” “Reform of the Prosecutor General’s Office”, he continued, “should also be stepped up, with a special emphasis on strengthening the procedural independence of prosecutors”.
Moreover, the commissioner called for more efforts to ensure that the selection, appointment and promotion of judges are based on merit. “A credible and competent disciplinary mechanism is of key importance for promoting the integrity and impartiality of judges and increasing public trust in the judiciary”, he said.
As it regards the police, Muižnieks recommended continuing its “much-needed reform”, as well as enhancing measures to prevent inhuman and degrading treatment and to ensure accountability, including for crimes committed by law enforcement officials in the context of the April 2009 events.
In relation to human rights, the commissioner emphasised: "The national human rights action plan is a positive step, but there is a need to ensure better communication about it, both internally and externally. It is also important to clearly define priorities - such as anti-discrimination and justice sector reform - and to involve civil society in the process of monitoring implementation".