The second round-table aimed at fostering dialogue and strengthening co-operation between the police and the LGBTI community in the Republic of Moldova was organised together with the General Police Inspectorate and the GENDERDOC-M Information Centre in Chisinau on 16 May 2025.
The event focused on addressing the negative effects of intolerance based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics. Such intolerance often leads to serious human rights violations against LGBTI individuals, with legal and societal consequences.
During the exchanges, the importance of promoting mutual respect and co-operation between the police and the LGBTI community, by creating a safe society for every individual was emphasised by the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, Falk Lange, attending the event. The contribution of civil society organisations (CSOs) in facilitating informative sessions for law enforcement officers was praised by the Deputy Chief of the General Police Inspectorate in the Republic of Moldova, Alexandru Lupan, while he reiterated the institution’s commitment to open dialogue.
Alexandru Lupan, Deputy Chief of the General Police Inspectorate, reiterated the institution's commitment to open dialogue, recognising the valuable contributions of civil society organizations in facilitating informative sessions as part of peer-to-peer training for law enforcement personnel.
Manuel Penaido, Council of Europe expert and President of Gaylespol, the National Association of LGBTI+ Police Officers in Spain, delivered presentation during this round table, sharing the experience and information on good practice of Spanish police in this field - outlining the importance of building trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and LGBTI community. Peinado is also among the co-authors of the latest manual on Policing Hate Crime against LGBTI persons: Training for a Professional Police Response.
The round-table brought together police officers, local and international experts, CSO representatives, civic activists, and other key stakeholders. Discussions highlighted that building strong partnerships between law enforcement and civil society is mutually beneficial. Such collaboration not only enhances understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTI people, especially in situations where they may feel unsafe or reluctant to approach the authorities, but also helps to increase trust and improve reporting of hate crimes.
This event is organised in co-operation with the General Inspectorate of Police, GENDERDOC-M Information Centre, within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova for 2025-2028 and the project "Enhancing diversity and equality in the Republic of Moldova - Phase II",
This event is part of the European Union and 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 project "Combating discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in the Republic of Moldova", part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”.
