The Council of Europe facilitated a common platform for discussion between state authorities and civil society organisations from the LGBTI community, with a focus on ensuring the right to legal gender recognition to persons living in the Republic of Moldova, as well as on the related European standards and examples of good practices.
The exchange took into account the recommendations of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), in particular the most recent one, Recommendation No 17 on preventing and combating intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. It was highlighted that all strategies and measures in this respect have to take into account the diversity which exists in the society, as well as the experiences of persons that faced discrimination and intolerance, including on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics.
The meeting resulted in the identification of needs and a proposal for further activities to contribute to progressing in the reforms in this field. This will take into account ensuring engagement of stakeholders and strengthening the capacities of all involved actors through peer exchanges and sharing of good practices; addressing common concerns when implementing legislative reforms and discussing potential strategies that can contribute to raising awareness among the general population on the importance of equal treatment and non-discrimination, combating stigmatisation and countering misinformation.
This event is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the EU/Council of Europe project “Combating discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in the Republic of Moldova” and in cooperation with the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics Unit.
