UN expert on the rights of persons with disabilities launches first official visit to the Republic of Moldova
GENEVA (7 September 2015) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Catalina
Devandas-Aguilar, will visit the Republic of Moldova from 10 to 17 September 2015 to gather first-hand information about
the situation of persons with disabilities in the country and assess initiatives related to the realization of their
rights.
“Moldova has taken interesting steps towards enhancing the situation of persons with disabilities, in particular in key
areas such as education, de-institutionalization and legal capacity which are crucial for promoting their democratic and
active participation in the community,” Ms. Devandas-Aguilar said launching the first ever country visit of the new
mandate under the Human Rights Council.
“I am interested in obtaining in-depth understanding of the advances made, as I am keen on identifying and sharing good
practices related to the protection, promotion and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities,” she noted.
“But I would also like to know of the challenges encountered and discuss ways of overcoming them, together with the
relevant national actors.”
During her eight-day visit, Ms. Devandas-Aguilar will meet with a broad range of stakeholders, including government
representatives and organizations of persons with disabilities.
She will also study national legislation, policies, programmes and practices, and regulatory frameworks and
institutions, in order to offer support and collaboration to the Moldovan Government in its activities to advance the
rights of persons with disabilities, in line with the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the
broader human rights context.
The Special Rapporteur will present her preliminary findings of the visit at a press conference on 17 September 2015 at
10:00 hours, at the conference room in the UN House, ground floor, 131, 31 August 1989 Street. Access to the press
conference is strictly limited to journalists.
She will then present a full report on the mission to the Human Rights Council in March 2016.
ENDS