Today interdepartmental coordination meeting, devoted to the Report of the UN Senior Expert on Human Rights in Pridnestrovie Thomas Hammarberg, took place in the foreign-political agency of Pridnestrovie under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PMR. The meeting was presided by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PMR Vitaly Ignatiev. Competent representatives of the Ministry of Justice of the PMR, Ministry of Healthcare of the PMR, Ministry of Social Security and Labor of the PMR, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the PMR, Ministry of Education of the PMR, Investigative Committee of the PMR and Prosecutor-General of the PMR took part in the meeting.
The goal of the coordination meeting was to study the position of the dedicated ministries and agencies on the problems touched by the Report, to present recommendations and to work out some constructive proposals on cooperation with international organizations for improvement of current situation according to recommendations of Thomas Hammarberg. In particular it was subject to the penitentiary facilities, healthcare system, reform of the social security system, issues of wardship and child welfare, prevention of human trafficking, gender equality, etc.
During the meeting substantive discussion took place with advanced treatment of most topical issues. Participants expressed their interest in fruitful results of such work.
Recommendations and proposals of dedicated ministries and agencies of the Republic shall be analyzed and systematized in a form of report which shall be presented to the Head of State. Preparation of the corresponding report and address to the international organizations with concrete proposals will become the next step of work. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs noticed that Pridnestrovian leadership is highly estimating the work done by the UN expert. “We believe that this document is to be of practical nature. I think that those proposals and recommendations it contains are to be implemented by the most optimal way”, – Vitaly Ignatiev said.
Answering the questions of the journalists, Vitaly Ignatiev pointed out that in order to solve problems in sphere of human rights protection Pridnestrovie is actively cooperating with the UN Children's Fund and World Health Organization. “We shall also address the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the European Union”, – the diplomat said. Complex document is to be prepared following the results of the interdepartmental work. “It will be forwarded to Mr. Hammarberg and High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Nils Muižnieks”, – Vitaly Ignatiev said.
It should be reminded that last year Thomas Hammarberg visited Pridnestrovie three times – in May, September and November. During his visits the expert met with the leadership of the Republic, state officials and employees of the justice system, prosecuting authorities, law enforcement bodies, education system, social security and healthcare systems. UN expert also visited detention facilities, facilities for individuals with disabilities and for children, deprived of parental care as well as for disadvantaged children. He conducted meetings with representatives of the civil society.
Thomas Hammarberg highly estimated policy of openness of the Pridnestrovian authorities in context of cooperation in sphere of observance of human rights in the Republic. “Positive steps were taken soon afterwards, including some further releases of prisoners or reduction of their sentences”, – UN Senior expert noted.
Following the results of the yearlong monitoring Thomas Hammarberg presented his Report which contains 38 recommendations for improvement of situation in different spheres of human rights observation in Pridnestrovie.
