Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Statement266

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 12th Session

Universal Period Review of Moldova

Statement by Australia

12 October 2011


Australia welcomes the delegation from Moldova and appreciates its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process. Noting Moldova’s inability to exert governmental authority over Transnistria, this intervention excludes reporting on this region.

We are pleased to note Moldova’s timely reporting under international treaty bodies and its facilitation of visits by Special Rapporteurs on torture and violence against women. Australia welcomes the Moldovan Government’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Australia commends the government-supported education efforts to increase public awareness of domestic violence and to instruct the public and law enforcement officials on how to address the problem. We note with concern that the legal remedies for domestic violence are often limited to fines and brief detentions.

We welcome the improvement in Moldova’s prison conditions and the reduction in time served during pre-trial detention. However Australia notes that prisons and pre trial facilities around the country continue to fall short of international standards.

We note the continued reports of harassment and violence towards the Roma population in Moldova. We are particularly concerned about reports of cases of Roma peoples being subject to discrimination when looking for employment, education, health care and social services.

We urge Moldova to encourage respect for people of all sexual orientations, particularly the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, noting that these communities are currently denied some of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and are prevented from engaging in public demonstrations.

Australia recommends Moldova:

1. Continue public awareness campaigns on domestic violence and increase the penalties for this crime;

2. Continue efforts to improve conditions in prisons and pre-trial facilities;

3. Promote greater public appreciation for the importance of according equal rights for the Roma, including freedom from abuse and discrimination; and

4. Allow members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.