Ceslav Panico
The study on perceptions of human rights in Moldova in 2025 was presented by the Ombudsman’s Office. It notes that over the past two years, improvements have been recorded in relation to the right to social protection, freedom of conscience and religion, and the right to education and healthcare.
At the same time, a lower level of respect for human rights is observed in relation to certain social groups, such as people who use drugs, members of the LGBT community, and those deprived of their liberty or recently released from prison. A slight deterioration in perceptions regarding the Roma community is also noted compared with the previous study.
The study analyses the level of awareness, perceptions of respect for various rights and the situation of certain population groups, the functioning of protection mechanisms, children’s rights and the situation of refugees. For the first time, the study examines the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region, based on expert assessments and practice in this area.
Presenting the study, Ombudsman Czesław Panko noted: “Its findings show that, although perceptions of respect for human rights have improved, violations are still perceived as frequent, and certain groups of citizens remain particularly vulnerable. These findings should form the basis for more effective public policy and concrete measures in this regard in Moldova.”
Frequency of human rights violations
In 2025, as before, the perceived frequency of human rights violations remains high. Around 70 per cent of respondents believe that human rights are violated frequently, systematically or quite often. And almost one in four respondents state that violations occur systematically.
At the same time, a dynamic analysis reveals positive changes in how the population assesses the evolution of the situation. Thus, 24 per cent of respondents believe that respect for human rights has improved, compared with 18 per cent in the previous survey, which was conducted in 2023. The proportion of those who believe the situation has worsened has fallen from 42 per cent to 31 per cent, whilst 39 per cent assess it as having remained unchanged.
Perceptions of respect for human rights have improved over time
The results show a positive trend over time. The average level of satisfaction rose from 41 per cent in 2016 to 66 per cent in 2025.
In 2025, the highest levels of protection are attributed to the right to freedom of movement – 80 per cent, the right to education – 79 per cent, and the right to vote – 78 per cent. At the same time, certain areas are still perceived as problematic.
The right to a fair trial is considered to be respected to a significant or very significant extent by 46 per cent of respondents; the right of persons with disabilities to protection against discrimination by 55 per cent; and participation in decision-making processes, including at local level, and the right to physical and mental integrity by 56 per cent.
Differences are also observed in respondents’ assessments of the respect for the rights and freedoms of people from different groups. The highest levels of human rights protection were recorded for children (73 per cent), women (68 per cent) and displaced persons/refugees (60 per cent).
The survey was conducted in 144 localities across Moldova, excluding Transnistria. A total of 1,610 people took part in the survey. It was carried out with financial support from the Council of Europe.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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