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Promoting human rights in the Transnistrian region

Project Description
The project aims to improve the observance and protection of Human Rights in the Transnistrian region and the Security Zone. It focuses on three key objectives: assessing the Human Rights situation, supporting the enforcement of the ECtHR judgment in the case Catan and Others v. Russia, and increasing legal protection for victims of abuse. The project addresses serious issues such as the rights of Romanian-language schools, lack of legal aid, and systemic Human Rights violations. It targets central and local authorities, civil society, international institutions, and affected communities. Through ongoing monitoring and reporting, it documents violations and raises public and institutional awareness. A Communication on the Catan case will be submitted to the Council of Europe to advocate for action. Promo-LEX will provide free legal aid to victims, offering advice, representation, and international support where needed. The project will also deliver public communication materials, policy proposals, and strategic litigation. Its impact includes better-informed stakeholders, improved legal outcomes for victims, and strengthened Human Rights mechanisms in the region.
Specific Objective
The overall objective of the project is to increase Human Rights observance in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.

To achieve the overall objective, the project has 3 specific objectives, as follows:
SO1: To assess the Human Rights situation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova and the Security Zone;
SO2: To contribute to the implementation of the ECtHR Judgment in the Case of Catan and Others v. Russia;
SO3: To increase legal protection for victims of Human Rights abuse in the Transnistrian region.
Expected Results
The key expected results are:
• Comprehensive Human Rights monitoring in the Transnistrian region and Security Zone, with violations identified, documented, and reported.
• Increased awareness of Human Rights issues among authorities, civil society, media, and international actors.
• Six brief notes prepared on monitoring results and their impact.
• Twelve communication materials developed and promoted.
• A position paper on the ECtHR judgment in Catan and Others v. Russia submitted to the Council of Europe.
• A draft action plan proposing solutions for affected schools and supporting the implementation of the ECtHR ruling.
• Greater awareness among national and international stakeholders of the situation of Moldovan schools in the Transnistrian region.
• Progress updates and recommendations on the ECtHR judgment shared with key decision-makers.
• Victims receiving qualified legal assistance and representation before national and international bodies.
• Enhanced legal protection through Promo-LEX’s free legal aid and strategic litigation.
• Serious cases submitted to UN Human Rights Committees and Special Rapporteurs for continued legal support.
Project documents
Project map
PROJECT DETAILS
Moldova
Priority Area:
Partnership that protects, Partnership that protects, Partnership that protects, Partnership that empowers, Partnership that empowers
Subsector:
Rule of law & human rights, Security & conflict response, Civil protection, Civil society, Inclusion
Topic:
Human rights, Security, Civil protection
Project Status:
Ongoing
Start Date:
13.06.2025
End Date:
12.01.2026
EU Project Number:
483-838