Paradigm Shift: UNCT Moldova Strategic Action Supporting CRPD Implementation

The proposal describes an intervention which would significantly advance CRPD implementation in the Republic of Moldova, ratified in 2010.   The intervention focuses on several key rights under the Convention, where (1) UNCT Moldova is in a position to support Government, Ombuds and civil society partners; (2) durable progress could be made if the resources of the UNPRPD were made available; and (3) progress under these particular rights would have strategic impact in the implementation of CRPD as a whole.  The rights constituting the strategic entry-points under the intervention are: (1) Article 12 equal recognition before the law; (2) Article 13 access to justice; (3) Article 19 deinstitutionalisation; (4) Article 24 right to education; and (5) a combined pillar involving Articles 29 and 33, focusing on Government, Ombuds and civil society monitoring and oversight of CRPD implementation. The intervention intends to build on strong political will to bring domestic law, policies and practices into line with international standards in the field of human rights, in particular as a result of ambitions for European integration; and constructive dialogue between national authorities, broader engagement of civil society, and social partners. Agencies involved in particular are OHCHR, UNDP, UNICEF and WHO, taking particular advantage of human rights mainstreaming commitments by UNCT Moldova embodies in a Human Rights Adviser arrangement, in place since 2008.  Intervention governance and implementation involves a strong role for civil society.  The intervention is envisioned as a kick-off action under the new United Nations-Republic of Moldova Partnership Framework (UNPF) 2013–2017.