Tag: Moldova

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Politics and LGBTIQ+ people: how hate rhetoric becomes a campaign tool in Moldova

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 4, 2024

In the run-up to the presidential elections in Moldova, society once again witnessed attempts by politicians to use hate rhetoric against the LGBTIQ+ community as a campaign tool. This time, former President Igor Dodon accused the non-governmental organization Genderdoc-M of filing a “criminal complaint” against him concerning his political statements. According to Dodon, this is related to his campaign promises to ban “LGBT propaganda” in schools and Chisinau.

On September 10, Igor Dodon published a message in which he claimed that Genderdoc-M accused him of inciting prejudice-based violence. The occasion was his statement on the inadmissibility of LGBTIQ+ propaganda in schools, which was part of his election promises. The former president said that his position expressed the opinion of the majority of teachers and parents, which made such statements acceptable in his political program.

However, as early as September 11, Angelica Frolova, administrative director of Genderdoc-M, responded to Dodon’s accusations, saying that all of the organization’s complaints against the former president had been filed long before this case. She noted that the statement referred to by Dodon does not refer to the current year and has not been documented by the organization recently. Thus, the conflicts between the NGO and Dodon refer to earlier complaints, which cast doubt on the relevance of the politician’s claims.

The politician is also actively using the LGBTIQ+ theme in his campaign rhetoric, claiming that after the presidential election, the government led by Maia Sandu intends to introduce quotas for the employment of LGBTIQ+ people in state institutions. These claims were made on his program “Live with Igor Dodon” on September 13, where he assured viewers that European partners were demanding that Moldova implement quotas for the LGBTIQ+ community.

However, these claims were quickly refuted by government spokesman Daniel Voda, who called Dodon’s words “false.” In his statement, Voda reminded us that political campaigns should be based on respect for citizens, not manipulation and misinformation. He also mentioned Dodon’s previous false claims about employment quotas for Syrians, foreigners, and other groups, which had no real basis.

Using the LGBTIQ+ theme as a tool to mobilize the electorate is not a new technique for politicians, especially those who appeal to conservative and homophobic sentiments in society. Political leaders often use such rhetoric to create an image of an “enemy” that allegedly threatens traditional values and national identity. In Moldova, where the topic of European integration is hotly debated, the issue of LGBTIQ+ rights often becomes a reason to divide society into “pro-European” and “pro-conservative” citizens.

It should be noted that the presidential election to be held on October 20 will be an important stage for Moldova’s future. Although Igor Dodon is not running, his party, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), supports the candidacy of former Prosecutor General Alexandru Stoianoglo. In turn, Maia Sandu, the incumbent president and leader of the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), will compete for the post again.

In an electoral race, the use of hate speech against the LGBTIQ+ community can be a serious challenge for a society striving for European integration and the building of a tolerant democratic state. Divisions in society based on prejudice and fear of imaginary threats can undermine trust in democratic processes and slow down the country’s path toward European human rights standards.

The example of Igor Dodon shows how hate rhetoric and manipulation can become a powerful tool in electoral struggles, especially against vulnerable groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community. It is important to remember that such discourse not only misinforms society but can also reinforce discrimination and violence. Society and political leaders must recognize the dangers of such rhetoric and strive for an open and constructive dialogue aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their identity or orientation.

Violation of rights and lack of assistance: a case of discrimination in Moldova

Post author By velyunsky
Post date June 4, 2024

Alisa (name changed) contacted the National REActors by phone, asking for help because she was feeling unwell due to substance use. After speaking with the girl, it was recommended to call an ambulance for medical services. On the advice of the REActors, her boyfriend called the paramedics. However, instead of providing prompt assistance, police officers arrived and started to draw up a protocol. As a result, Alisa was fined 1500 lei (85 USD). To her indignation and explanations about her inability to pay the fine, the police officers replied that they could have issued a fine of 5000 lei (284 dollars).

In this case, REActors filed a complaint with the Equality Council to establish discrimination. As a result, the situation was resolved in favor of the client, the fine was challenged and Alisa was exempted from paying it.

This case highlights the need to raise awareness of the rights of key groups and the importance of standing up for their rights regardless of pressure.

Fighting stereotypes and fears: the story of Sylvia from Moldova

Post author By velyunsky
Post date November 4, 2023

Sylvia (name changed) discovered her HIV-positive status during pregnancy. A visit to her family doctor turned into an unpleasant experience for her, with medical staff discriminating and stigmatizing her. Instead of support and professional help, she was given incorrect information about HIV infection, which only increased her fear and anxiety.

In addition, she was forcibly sent for an abortion, which was a difficult experience for her. Following this event, the woman was referred to a specialized medical facility for hospitalization and to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is necessary to maintain her health and prevent HIV transmission.

The response to the incident was swift and decisive. The case was referred to a legal expert and an application to the Equality Council was being prepared to punish those responsible and prevent similar situations in the future. However, Sylvia encountered resistance from her spouse and they decided not to pursue the case to a conclusion.

At the moment, the client continues to struggle not only with HIV, but also with the self-stigma caused by the events. She finds support in specialized organizations and works with the help of professionals to overcome her fears and doubts. Her story is a reminder of the importance of tolerance, professionalism and solidarity in the medical field.

Also read:

The case of a doctor in Moldova: the struggle for tolerance and professional ethics

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Tags HIV, Human Rights, Moldova

Response stories

The case of a doctor in Moldova: the struggle for tolerance and professional ethics

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 12, 2023

A direct video message by a pediatrician appeared on social media, expressing hate speech towards the LGBT+ community. He claimed that they are unnatural, suffer from mental illness and that their “stupid propaganda” is inconsistent with physiological laws and Christian values. The doctor expressed this as his personal viewpoint, however, claiming it was an opinion consistent with his status as a specialist.

“People who disagree with my attitude towards homosexuals and all this propaganda that goes against physiological and natural laws and Christian values, let them not support me. We have different values. This is my position on ‘nonsense’. Sexual intercourse, in my opinion, is for the continuation of the human race, not for pleasure. Pleasure is an added incentive for humans to strive to have children and ensure the existence of our species on Earth, not for debauchery and pleasure. I will only support humans when I see that sexual intercourse between two women or two men results in the birth of children. Show me such and then I will change my position. Until then, it is a mental illness to me and such people should go to psychiatrists for treatment. Do not allow yourself to be misled and manipulated. If you do not share my point of view, do not come to me for counseling. I wish you health and mental wellbeing,” the doctor said on his TikTok account. He later held a live stream, continuing to express his anti-LGBT+ views for more than an hour.

The organization “GENDERDOC-M”, which registered and is investigating the case, submitted an application to the Equality Council. According to the decision, further action will be taken to review the incident and establish the appropriate consequences.

Also read:

Protecting the rights of transgender women in Tajikistan

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Tags Human Rights, LGBTQ, Moldova

Response stories

Incident in Moldova with disclosure of medical information

Post author By velyunsky
Post date October 4, 2023

A pregnant patient of 18 years of age, 33 weeks pregnant, was registered at the Medical Center of the XX district of the XX village. Roxana (name changed) has been registered with a psychiatrist since childhood, and there is a document confirming her incapacity. The medical staff of the district where the girl is registered conducted examinations, including markers for HIV infection. However, after receiving information about the positive result, the personnel who were involved in the diagnosis of the first HIV test could not keep the confidentiality of the patient’s result, and the information spread among the villagers.

A social worker from the Positive Initiative NGO traveled to the village to accompany the patient to the city to give and receive the final result. The health center requested assistance in accompanying Roxana from the organization, as the NGO is engaged in psychosocial support of people with increased risk of infection, as well as people living with HIV.

Upon arrival, the social worker of Positive Initiative received information from the nurse of XX village that the pregnant woman was not currently present at her place of residence. The nurse took a social assistant from the village administration with her and started searching for her. They later found her in an abandoned house at the edge of the village. The social assistant questioned the girl about what had happened. The pregnant woman said that the day before she had met a relative in the village, who told her that she had HIV infection and her baby would be taken away from her. The girl was frightened and hid, which is natural for her mental state. Also, the owner of the house where the pregnant woman was living at the time told the Positive Initiative staff member that if the girl had AIDS, she was against her living in the house. That same day, a relative of the pregnant woman told paralegal that the previous evening, residents had discussed that the girl had AIDS at the village store. The final diagnosis had not yet been confirmed at that time.

At this point, the girl gave birth and was found temporary accommodation at Misiunea Socială Diaconia a Mitropoliei Basarabiei, where she will be fully cared for for a year and made sure that she takes ART and gives the baby everything it needs.

As a result, a complaint was sent to the Equality Council of the Republic of Moldova about the disclosure of confidential data related to the person’s health condition. A meeting was organized with the head of the village, social assistant and family doctor, where the beneficiary is registered. At the meeting, the issue of violation of her rights was raised and the consequences of such actions were communicated to civil servants. A response to the request submitted to the Equality Council remains pending.

Also read:

Protecting the rights of transgender women in Tajikistan

Armenia: a long way to restore the rights of the victim

Tags HIV, Human Rights, Moldova

Response stories

Establish Rights-Respecting Laws: What Moldova Needs to Make a Difference and Combat Sex Work Discrimination

Post author By velyunsky
Post date March 3, 2023

Moldova provides for administrative liability for engaging in sex work. The article is often applied, and in 2023 there will be a tougher punishment by increasing fines. And while this discrimination and stigmatization of sex workers breed violence, increase the vulnerability of this key group, puts their health at risk, and limits access to justice, girls, and women are willing to take risks to feed their families and survive. Many official salaries are not even enough to pay for the simplest services, so there are more and more sex workers in the country, and law enforcement officials use this article as a means of extortion, control, and punishment of those who refused to pay off.

According to one of Moldova’s national REActors, it is common for a beneficiary to be fined for a different reason, which is much higher than the penalty for sex work. For example, there was a case when a girl was fined, but another administrative violation as indicated in the protocol, since they could not prove that the beneficiary was a sex worker. Therefore, an attack and a conflict with the police were indicated. Sometimes services are not paid for, and if a girl is caught, she will have no reason to close the fine. In this connection, sex workers often try to run away or negotiate “on the spot” with the police. Persecution and violence against girls by law enforcement agencies occur on an ongoing basis, they are discriminated against and humiliated, and they can be beaten, but they refuse to write complaints, knowing that they are being prosecuted by law. And if they are consulted, then only anonymously, as they are afraid of publicity.

The presence of such fines often becomes an excellent reason for discrimination on the part of other employers: a person can be fired without benefits and explanations, or denied pay. However, if it comes to REActors, then the probability of a positive solution to the situation increases significantly. So, in one case, a former sex worker got a job caring for a disabled person. After working for 4 months, she came for a salary, but she was refused – the employer referred to the fact that she had previously provided sex services, but did not mention or warn about this when she was hired. The client turned to REActor, who promptly got in touch with him and threatened to file a complaint. A week later, the due funds were paid to the girl in full.

Even children of sex workers are discriminated against. They are teased on the streets, and sometimes in kindergartens. The REActor recorded a case when the educators asked the mother, a sex worker, to transfer the child to another preschool institution. After the paralegal learned about the situation, a consultation was held with the beneficiary, and a conversation was held with the educator and director of the kindergarten. As a result, the child was simply transferred to another group and the kindergarten did not have to be changed.

The reality is clear: Moldovan legislation regarding key populations remains repressive and discriminatory. But we must remember that for the situation to change, we need to start from the very “top”: the government should abandon the application of laws on administrative violations that punish sex work. It is necessary to stop harassment and violence against representatives of the sex industry by law enforcement agencies and allow everyone to work in safety and inadequate, equal conditions.