Protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens in 2023

The Committee on Legislation, Protection of Rights and Freedoms of Citizens studied the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic for 2023 “On the state of observance and protection of human and civil rights and freedoms in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic”. The report notes that the Ombudsman reviewed 618 complaints last year, an increase of approximately 17% compared to the previous year. All requests were checked, legislation was studied and relevant requests were sent to various authorities. Vyacheslav Kosinsky noted in the report that the applicants received the necessary clarifications and legal advice, including by telephone.

Appeals to the Commissioner concerned, among other things, pension provision. According to the Ombudsman, timely financial support for pensioners suffers due to the shortcomings and inattention of employees of the centers for social insurance and social protection of cities and regions of the republic.

Vyacheslav Kosinsky outlined in his report some changes in legislation in the field of pensions, supported by the Supreme Council last year. For example, it was legislated that those who receive compensation for damage caused to health due to radiation exposure due to the Chernobyl disaster can continue to receive this payment in the event of an old-age or long-service pension. The right was retained previously only when receiving a disability pension.

There is among the legislative innovations the elimination of the requirement to undergo a medical examination for old-age pensioners with whom a fixed-term employment contract concluded. In addition, the period for paying pensions by proxy has been increased: the right was given for 3 months previously, now for 1 year.

The Commissioner raised a problem regarding the lack of a state institution for the separate stay of disabled children over 18 years of age. It turned out during an inspection in one of the correctional schools in Tiraspol in 2023 that there are also pupils who have reached the age of majority, which does not comply with international standards and the current legislation of the PMR along with disabled children for whom the day care center is intended. This is due to age-related changes in the behavior of a disabled person. The problem was discussed in the course of the meeting with the President of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic in November. Options for resolving the current situation are being considered on behalf of Vadim Krasnoselsky. A center for special people can be opened in the village of Sukleya, Slobodzeya district, on the basis of a former school.

The Ombudsman drew attention in his report to the situation regarding non-payment of wages. There were 337 enforcement proceedings for the collection of arrears of wages under compulsory execution in the State Bailiff Service in 2023. More than 836 thousand rubles totally were recovered from 217 claimants during the reporting period.

The Commissioner paid special attention to the issue of providing housing for orphans and children left without parental care. 1179 orphans are registered to receive comfortable housing as of January 1, 2024. Approximately 272 million rubles are needed to provide them with housing. The republic annually allocates funding for the purchase of housing for orphans under the relevant state program, but the queue for providing housing to orphans is moving slowly due to the limited amount of funds in the budget of Pridnestrovie, about 40 apartments or houses are purchased per year, while the number of orphans on the waiting list is increasing.

Appeals to the Commissioner in 2023 concerned the protection of land rights, ensuring the rights to judicial protection, ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of the child.

Deputies of the Committee on Legislation, Protection of Rights and Freedoms of Citizens will recommend that the deputy corps approve the ombudsman’s report.