U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Republic of Moldova,
as delivered by Sheila Leonard
Geneva, Switzerland
26th Session, November 4, 2016
The United States welcomes the Republic of Moldova’s delegation to the UPR Working Group.
We note recent reform laws approved by the legislature, including those on prosecutorial reform and judicial independence. We appreciate the delegation’s updates on implementation of these and other reform priorities.
We remain concerned, however, over deficiencies in respect for rule of law in Moldova. Remaining challenges in the justice sector include: the opaque influence of political and other external actors, lingering corruption, and selective justice. Vulnerabilities in the justice sector also harm efforts to combat human trafficking, domestic violence, and hate crimes.
We are encouraged by efforts to increase cooperation between the Moldovan legislature and the Gagauz People’s Assembly, an important step to ensure the full participation of individuals from minority communities in Moldovan political life. We urge continued efforts to protect the rights of individuals, including LGBTI persons.
We recommend that the Republic of Moldova:
Implement reforms in the rule of law sphere to ensure fairness and due process, combat corruption, and improve transparency throughout the legal process.
Improve the conditions of detention in police stations and prisons and effectively investigate credible allegations of abuse, consistent with the UN Convention against Torture.
Increase professional training and adopt guidelines for improving the conduct of police, prosecution, and courts in investigating bias-motivated crimes and cases of domestic violence.
(end statement)