Discrimination on the Basis of Nationality, Race and Ethnicity
norities, in particular Roma.138 The Social Political Movement of Roma is the only political party focused on Roma issues, however, as they only received 0.14% of the votes in the 2010 parliamentary elections they failed to secure any seats. The party did not participate in the 2014 or 2015 elections.139 However, in 2015, for the first time in Moldova, two Roma women were elected to be local councillors in Chetrosu village (Drochia district) and Riscani town. 140 The Special Rapporteur considered that the exclusion of Roma from political life is a result of the systematic social stigmatisation and exclusion of Roma and also concluded that “[c]ritical challenges that impede Roma enjoyment of the rights to housing, education and work will persist unless they are given opportunities to participate in political life on equal terms”.141 The absence of Roma from public and political life also contributed to the social “invisibility” of the Roma, which adversely impacted the ability to secure public funding to improve their situation.142 Access to Goods and Services
Research for this report identified many cases in which Roma were discriminated against when accessing goods and services. For example, Ion Bucur, a Roma man from Drochia whose case is discussed in detail in the case study below, recounted the discrimination he had faced when booking a venue for a family event over the telephone.143 In December 2014, Mr Bucur filed a complaint with the CPEDEE, which ruled that he had been discriminated against on the grounds of his ethnicity, in violation of Article 8 of the Law on Ensuring Equality.144 138 See above, note 29, Para. 16(b); note 17, Para. 122; note 87, Para. 55. 139 See above, note 54. 140 Ibid.
141 See above, note 84, Para. 55. 142 See above, note 54.
143 Promo-LEX Association, Anti-Discrimination Council Establishes Ethnic-Based Discrimination in Case of Roma Person Denied Services in a Venue, 2015, available at: https://promolex.md/index. php?module=press&cat=0&item=1695&Lang=en. 144 Council on the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Ensuring Equality, Decision No. 190/14 of 13 February 2015, p. 5, available at: http://egalitate.md/media/files/files/ decizie_190_2015__2000159.pdf.
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