“MINOR+” Program strengthens interethnic cooperation in Northern Moldova

The first regional meeting took place in Bălți, bringing together representatives of minority councils from Ocnița, Drochia, Rîșcani, Edineț, and Bălți.

The event aimed to encourage dialogue between ethnic community representatives and local authorities, identify regional needs, and develop new mechanisms for inclusion and civic participation.

During the meeting, participants took part in several training sessions focused on:

Introduction to human rights and minority rights;
Advocacy and representation of ethnic groups;
Protection of minority rights: national mechanisms in the Republic of Moldova.

Workshops were interactive and practical, allowing participants to analyze case studies and propose concrete solutions for improving cooperation between local councils and public institutions. The discussions also focused on forming regional councils and establishing frameworks for regular consultation between minority representatives and the state.

According to Mihai Peicov, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities (ICPMN):

“The ‘MINOR+’ initiative marks a crucial step toward ensuring the active participation of national minorities in Moldova’s public life. By strengthening cooperation between civil society and the authorities, we aim to create a system where every community’s voice matters.”

The initiative is implemented by the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities (ICPMN) in partnership with the Agency for Interethnic Relations and People in Need Moldova, under the project “INSPIRĂ MOLDOVA”, funded by the European Union in the Republic of Moldova 🇪🇺.