Eight projects to strengthening human rights in the Transnistrian Region, in total amount of US$ 85,000, will be implemented with the support of Sweden, provided through the One UN Joint Action "Cross-river support for human rights".

Civil society organizations that were selected through a UNDP competition received grant certificates on 6 September 2021. The event was attended by the members of the Platform for Sustainable (Community) Development, created with the support of the UN and Sweden.

"It is of crucial importance indeed that the human rights activities are encouraged, and the 8 grant certificates awarded today are an important sign of UN support to the cause of human rights in the Transnistrian Region," said Andrea Cuzyova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

Through these initiatives, civil society organizations from both banks of the Nistru river will promote the socio-economic participation of vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities, Roma people, people living with HIV, survivors of domestic violence on both banks of Nistru. Three projects aim at developing infrastructure for people with disabilities, such as the installation of adapted benches in one of the parks in Tiraspol and the installation of access ramps in institutions that provide public services.

One of the beneficiaries of the small grants program, the Association of Young People with Disabilities "VIVERE" from Edinet (right bank of the Nistru river) will continue its initiative to empower people with disabilities, in the project "Pânzele speranței". After managing to help 15 young people with disabilities from Slobozia (left bank of the Nistru river) to integrate into the labour market, the association aims to support the employment of another 20 people.

Other projects aim at empowering the Roma people`s rights. Thus, young Roma will learn to promote their rights through multimedia content. Roma women from the Transnistrian Region will hold eight meetings of the Roma Women's Club to promote their women's rights agenda. The club was established with the support of UN and Sweden.

The grant competition, launched in the framework of the One UN Joint Action "Cross-river support for human rights", funded by Sweden, was addressed to the member organizations of the Platform for Sustainable (Community) Development and their partners, which until 30 July 2021 have fully capitalized the previous grant, also awarded through the Programme.

During 2020-2021, another 14 projects to strengthen human rights in the Transnistrian Region were financed. In total US$73,000 were allocated.