International Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Releases Concluding Observations on Moldova

10 July 2002

On March 19, 2002, the International Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) adopted concluding observations and recommendations, concerning the compliance of Moldova with the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Committee voiced many concerns regarding practices in Moldova, and with respect to Roma, the Committee specifically expressed concern "by reports of police violence against persons belonging to minority groups, in particular the Roma population" and "about reports that minorities experience discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education and health care. It is also concerned by reports that the Roma population is sometimes denied access to, and service in, places intended for the general public." The Committee then listed recommendations for Moldovan authorities to "take all necessary measures to prevent and punish excessive use of force by law enforcement officials against minorities. Steps should also be taken for the education and sensitisation of law enforcement officials about the provisions of the Convention. […] Law enforcement officials should receive training to ensure that, in the performance of their duties, they respect and protect the human rights of all persons without distinction as to race, colour or national or ethnic origin. […] The Committee recommends that the State party undertake effective measures to eradicate practices of discrimination against minorities and, in particular, the Roma population." ( Full text of the Committee's concluding observations and recommendations )