Human rights are increasingly marginalized worldwide, as economic pressures, market competition, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing war in Ukraine intensify their impact in the Republic of Moldova as well. At a time when the economy develops, and the country’s path toward the European Union requires clearer standards, both the state and the business sector must take genuine responsibility for protecting fundamental rights.

For the first time in Moldova, a comprehensive national assessment of the impact of economic activities on human rights has been carried out at the initiative of Ombudsman Ceslav Panico. The study was launched on November 26, 2025, in the presence of representatives from public institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society. The initiative is a consequence of increasing concerns about human rights violations in the economic area, the absence of a legal framework on business due diligence, and the urgent necessity to align the Republic of Moldova with European and international standards.

“We cannot speak of sustainable development without responsibility in business. Moldova needs not only investors and companies that grow their business at any cost and contribute to the budget, but above all, responsible economic stakeholders who assume obligations, costs, and due diligence to protect workers and the environment, respect community interests, promote gender equality, prevent workplace harassment, and help combat corruption and undeclared/under-declared labor. While companies create jobs and drive the economy, they can also generate significant risks to human rights if there are no clear rules, effective control, and adequate state support meant to guide and encourage the business environment to assume these responsibilities,” stated the People’s Advocate Ceslav Panico.

At the launch event, Alexandru Iacub, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, confirmed the State Chancellery’s support, noting that the study aligns with the Government’s activity plan and that its recommendations would consolidate responsible practices nationwide. 

Søren Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark, emphasized the importance of this evaluation for Moldova’s European path, pointing out that Denmark’s experience shows business responsibility and respect for human rights are not optional – they are prerequisites for a modern, competitive economy.

The study highlights that Moldova’s Constitution and national legislation provide a solid foundation for human rights protection, but integration of these principles into business practices remains inconsistent. The assessment aims to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities so that public policies can be adjusted in the interest of people and communities.

The analysis focused on key sectors of the economy – agriculture, construction, HoReCa, the IT sector, state enterprises, and public procurement, as well as business and human rights in the Transnistrian region, highlighting systemic problems that require quick and coordinated interventions.

The assessment examines the extent to which the legal and institutional framework, as well as current practices, are aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), structured around three pillars: the state’s duty to protect human rights, the responsibility of companies to respect them, and access to effective remedies.

The study was developed by the People’s Advocate Office (PAO) in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights under the 2024 – 2025 Memorandum of Understanding. It was published with financial support from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Main findings of the Study:

1. The law framework is mostly aligned with international standards, but its implementation is still fragmented

Moldova’s Constitution and national legislation provide a solid foundation for human rights protection. However, integration of these principles into business practices is inconsistent. Sectoral policies systematically do not include human rights obligations, leading to gaps in protecting rights holders, especially in areas such as the environment, investment, and public procurement.

2. Human rights due diligence is missing from legislation, and practices are underdeveloped

Moldova lacks a legal framework requiring companies to conduct human rights due diligence. Small and medium‑sized enterprises – representing more than 99 percent of all companies – do not have the capacity to identify and prevent risks in the human rights area. The increase in the number of foreign‑owned enterprises presents opportunities but also highlights the urgent need for a modern regulatory framework in this area.  

3. Remedy mechanisms exist, but their effectiveness is limited 

Civil, criminal, labor, and administrative laws establish accountability for companies, yet effective access to remedies is still a challenge. Costs, geographic distances, and institutional barriers reduce people’s chances of obtaining efficient remedies in cases of abuse. Extrajudicial mechanisms are useful but remain underutilized. 

4. High‑risk economic sectors

Agriculture, construction, and HoReCa are marked by informal labor and precarious conditions. The expanding IT sector faces risks related to outsourcing and unstable contracts. State enterprises have not fully integrated sustainability and corporate responsibility standards. 

Public procurement sector – valued at 13.32 billion lei in 2024 – lacks clear requirements for human rights compliance of economic agents, despite major risks such as forced labor, trafficking, discrimination, and unsafe conditions. 

Day workers remain among the most vulnerable, with incomes below subsistence levels even under maximum legal working hours.  

5. The conflict‑affected region is still a major challenge 

In Transnistria, the absence of a functional protection framework exposes companies and workers to high risks of abuse, including discrimination and exclusion.  

At the EU level, promoting human rights in business is a priority. The new EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence marks a decisive step forward. Aligning the Republic of Moldova with these developments is crucial for EU accession and for strengthening economic transparency.  

The study formulates 47 recommendations, most harmonized with EU standards, directed at authorities, oversight institutions, businesses, and civil society. These recommendations aim to strengthen the legal and institutional framework, reduce informal labor, advance equality, combat discrimination, and protect the right to a healthy environment.  

To ensure implementation, Ombudsman Ceslav Panico proposes the creation in 2026 of a Working Group or Council, bringing together government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. This body will initiate discussions on the recommendations and, most importantly, begin drafting the first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova. Similar plans already exist in many European countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Czechia, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Ukraine. For Moldova, this step is essential to modernize the economic environment and safeguard the rights of all people.  

You can access the full study via the following link: https://ombudsman.md/en/national-baseline-assessment-on-business-and-human-rights-in-the-republic-of-moldova-2/

Ani Saldadze and Giorgi Melikidze, employees of the Equality and Analytical Departments of the Public Defender's Office of Georgia, participated in regional seminars - "Strengthening the Activities of Equality Bodies in Combating Discrimination and Hatred" and "Combating Racism and Racial Discrimination” - organized by the Council of Europe. The aim of the events was to strengthen the capacities of equality bodies and share modern, practical approaches to combating discrimination and hatred.

The participants in the regional seminar discussed ways to protect victims of discrimination and strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies, as well as practical methods for detecting and eliminating racism, hate speech and intersectional discrimination. In addition, the participants shared their experience with activities implemented at the national level to combat discrimination and racism, including awareness-raising campaigns.

The seminars were the final stage of the Council of Europe training course - “Combating Racism and Racial Discrimination: Training of Trainers from State Institutions and Equality Bodies”.

It is noteworthy that the employees of the Public Defender’s Office also completed a 7-month training course and were actively involved in the course activities.

Regional seminars were held in Strasbourg on October 27-29, 2025.

The Human Rights Ombudsman (Ombudsman), in its role as a national human rights institution, is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights in all areas, including within the economy. In this light, it has long advocated for effective legislation in the field of corporate governance, which will ensure the protection of human rights and the environment, as well as transparent and responsible business operations.

In 2024, the Ombudsman welcomed the adoption of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)^[1] and, before that, the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)^[2]. Both directives were recognised at European Union (EU) level as a major milestone in ensuring transparency, accountability and promoting sustainable business practices, and represent a crucial step towards greater respect for human rights and the environment by businesses.

Following the presentation of the new Omnibus legislative proposal of the European Commission regarding simplifications in the field of corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence in companies regarding sustainability (the so-called Omnibus I package)^[3] the Ombudsman took a critical position, which it informed the competent Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport (MGTŠ) about in March this year, sent to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for information, and informed the Slovenian Members of the European Parliament about it. At that time, the Ombudsman assessed that the proposed changes significantly weaken some key elements of the already adopted CSDDD and CSRD directives and represent a major step back from the already established international consensus regarding the responsibility of companies in the field of human rights and the environment. The proposals of the European Commission in the Omnibus I legislative package are largely inadequate and disproportionate, and harmful to the areas of human rights and the environment.

As the final and crucial phase of negotiations within the framework of the EU institutions' trilogue in Brussels begins, the Ombudsman, together with the umbrella European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), which represents more than 50 national human rights institutions across Europe, once again draws attention to the main shortcomings of the legislative proposals within the Omnibus I package. Below, we highlight the main recommendations from the ENNHRI joint statement, which is addressed to all decision-makers within the framework of the EU institutions' trilogue:

1. Alignment with international standards and good practice: European co-legislators should commit to adopting an approach to due diligence that is aligned with existing international instruments and good practices of economic operators.

2. Scope: The scope of entities covered by the CSDDD and CSRD should be as broad as possible in order to encourage companies to fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights.

3. Risk-based approach to due diligence: The approach in the CSDDD should be aligned as much as possible with the UN Guiding Principles on Business (UNGP) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These are internationally recognised standards that require companies to take a realistic and risk-based approach. This is the most appropriate way for companies to effectively identify and address impacts on people and the environment and avoid unnecessary administrative burdens resulting from fragmentation and duplication of processes.

4. Limitations in the name of reducing bureaucratic burdens: The CSDDD should be based on due diligence based on identifying and addressing risks. This necessarily includes access to relevant data, including the possibility of requesting information from business partners. It is not about additional bureaucratic burdens, but about the efficiency of such procedures. A pragmatic approach is needed that allows for cooperation with business partners, as this is the only way for companies to carry out risk-based due diligence in line with the UNGP and the OECD Guidelines.

5. Stakeholder engagement: Stakeholder engagement should remain a central element of the due diligence process in CSDDD, and the broad definition of stakeholders, which also includes national human rights institutions, should be maintained.

6. Civil liability and access to justice: The original provisions on civil liability in the CSDDD should be maintained with the aim of ensuring uniformity and coherence across the EU. It should also restore the mandatory overriding application of the provisions (under the CSDDD, Member States must make the civil liability rules of the Directive mandatory overriding application) and ensure that the elements of access to justice allow for effective access to a remedy for rightsholders.

7. Climate transition plans: The obligation to adopt and implement climate transition plans should be maintained in the CSDDD.

8. European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and sectoral standards: The ESRS standards should be implemented in a way that allows for simplification but without compromising the integrity of the standards, including in relation to social sustainability and human rights. The CSRD should maintain the requirement to adopt sectoral standards or guidelines.

The Ombudsman recalls that the protection of the environment and human rights is a prerequisite for a safe and stable economic environment and sustainable development that benefits everyone – businesses, employees, communities, and future generations.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, was invited to deliver a keynote speech during a European meeting of the World Services Group, organised by MAMO TCV. The meeting formed part of a closed professional forum bringing together senior legal practitioners to discuss current legal, regulatory and governance developments affecting Europe.

The theme of the Ombudsman’s keynote address was “The Ombudsman. Another access to justice.” In his address, Judge Zammit McKeon underlined that the Constitution remains the primary democratic benchmark safeguarding the rule of law and fundamental rights. He stressed that access to justice must be as broad as possible and that meaningful justice is a core component of good governance.

He explained that access to justice should not be understood solely as recourse to courts or tribunals. Drawing on his experience as a former judge of the Superior Courts and as a litigation lawyer, he emphasised that alternative avenues exist, particularly where grievances arise from acts or omissions of the public administration.

The Ombudsman highlighted the role of the Ombudsman Act 1995, which establishes an investigative mechanism that can prevent disputes from escalating into litigation. He described the Office as providing free and accessible redress, offering individuals the opportunity to hold public authorities to account without the cost and delay of court proceedings.

Judge Zammit McKeon underlined that the Ombudsman does not compete with the courts. The distinction lies in the nature of the Ombudsman’s powers, which are rooted in the ability to assess not only legality but also fairness, reasonableness and justice. He referred to the wide margin of appreciation conferred by the law, allowing the Ombudsman to address decisions that, while lawful, may still be wrong or unjust.

He explained that the Ombudsman issues recommendations with strong moral authority rather than executive orders. This enables the Office to identify structural weaknesses in public services and promote improvements in the public interest. The Ombudsman also plays an explanatory role by clarifying to complainants how public bodies have justified their actions, contributing to transparency and understanding.

The address concluded by highlighting the Ombudsman’s role in defending individuals where complaints are upheld and, where necessary, drawing the attention of the Prime Minister and Parliament to persistent failures by public authorities. The Ombudsman also noted the relevance of EU law, explaining that serious breaches may be brought to the attention of the European Commission, reinforcing accountability at both national and European levels.

The event was held at the offices of MAMO TCV in Valletta, a member of the World Services Group’s European circle of firms that meet twice yearly to exchange views and strengthen professional networks. The Malta meeting was hosted as part of this ongoing cycle of European engagements.

World Services Group is a prominent global network of independent professional service firms. Founded in 2002, it connects more than 120 firms across over 150 jurisdictions, bringing together over 23,000 legal professionals and a small number of selected investment banking and accounting firms. The network facilitates cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing and collaboration on complex international matters.

"Bei Barrierefreiheit geht es nicht um ein Extra-Service oder Luxus, sondern um ein Grundrecht", betont Volksanwältin Gaby Schwarz anlässlich des Internationalen Tages der Menschen mit Behinderung am 3. Dezember.

„Barrierefreiheit bedeutet Selbstbestimmtheit für die Betroffenen. Noch immer sind Menschen mit Behinderung im Alltag mit Hindernissen konfrontiert, die vermeidbar wären – wenn man sie ernst nimmt. Es geht nicht um ein Extra-Service oder Luxus, sondern um ein Grundrecht. Ohne fremde Hilfe in ein Amtsgebäude oder in ein Museum zu kommen, öffentliche Verkehrsmittel zu benutzen oder einfach in die eigenen vier Wände zu gelangen, das sind simple Wünsche, die Menschen mit Behinderungen oft verwehrt bleiben. Ich sage: Barrierefreiheit ist nicht die Kür, sondern Pflicht. Aber hier gibt es noch viel zu tun“, betont Volksanwältin Gaby Schwarz im Vorfeld zum Int. Tag der Menschen mit Behinderung.

„Ich habe ein Problem damit, wenn Menschen mit Behinderung zu Bittstellern degradiert werden und setze mich mit aller Kraft für echte Inklusion ein“, verweist die Volksanwältin etwa auf die Sozialservicestelle Wels, die aufgrund ihrer Hartnäckigkeit mittlerweile mittels einer mobilen Rampe barrierefrei erreicht werden kann. Die Volksanwältin hat sich auch am Friedhof Stammersdorf eingeschalten. Dort wurden zur Förderung der Biodiversität Wege aus Waschbetonplatten entfernt, wodurch der barrierefreie Zugang zu Gräbern erschwert ist. „Barrierefreiheit darf nicht der Biodiversität geopfert werden. Ich bleibe dran, bis es eine Lösung gibt, die beiden Anliegen gerecht wird“, so Gaby Schwarz.

Auch die Volksanwaltschaft selbst hat sich in pucto Barrierefreiheit verbessert – nämlich mit dem Relaunch ihrer Homepage. Die Website www.volksanwaltschaft.gv.at wurde 2025 grunderneuert und ist jetzt noch benutzerfreundlicher. Texte können dank KI-Unterstützung mehrsprachig und auch in Leichter Sprache angezeigt werden. „Ich bin stolz darauf, dass unsere Homepage nun dem höchsten Standard an Barrierefreiheit entspricht. Das macht uns zu einem nationalen Vorzeigemodell“, hält Gaby Schwarz fest.