European Awards for Civil Society on International Human Rights Day
The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova hosted its traditional annual European Awards for Civil Society Organisations. The event took place on the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights, marked every year on 10 December, to raise the awareness about the principles of equality and non-discrimination which are at the heart of human rights.
Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination – a human rights-based approach to development – is an effective way to reduce inequalities and contribute to a better life of citizens. Therefore, every year, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova rewards the tangible results of EU funded initiatives implemented by civil society organisations at national and local levels that made a lasting and positive impact on the democracy, economic development and social cohesion across communities in the Republic of Moldova.
During the 2021 edition, “European Awards for Civil Society – Human Rights” were awarded to representatives of civil society organisations, for the results obtained at local and country level, as follows: Stronger Economy Award was offered to Women’s Business Association from Balti, the media freedom and fight against hate speech was granted to Ziua de Azi news portal in Cahul and the award for protecting minorities’ rights was offered to Minority Youth Moldova.“Through their hard work, the activities of the civil society organisations, who were awarded today, benefitted numerous citizens across various communities by providing economic opportunities for a dignifying life, by fighting for media freedom and against hate speech and by protecting the rights of persons belonging to
national minorities in various parts of the country. This is precisely the reason why we, as Team Europe, will continue to support the work of civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova. The International Human Rights Day is a reminder to all of us that we can succeed only with common efforts, as we are stronger together!” stated Jānis MAŽEIKS, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
The award ceremony was streamed on the online platforms of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova (Facebook – here and YouTube – here) and national mass media platforms.
Background information
European Union support offered to Civil Society Organisations in the Republic of Moldova
The European Union currently supports 22 large projects implemented by civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova, amounting to about 22 million EUR. Thanks to these projects, over 1,500 vulnerable people benefit from 30 social services open for them in various localities. In addition, more than 800 vulnerable people enjoy free services and products generated by the more than 15 social enterprises (including six created on the left bank of the Nistru river), which have created 59 jobs for disadvantaged people. At the same time, more than 70 small businesses started by young people were supported by the EU, which contributed to the creation of 84 jobs. These initiatives allowed numerous people to improve their quality of life and better inclusion in the communities they belong to. For more details please access: www.EU4Moldova.eu
