Dear Mrs. Timofti,

Excellencies,

Dear friends,

The Republic of Moldova can be proud that its constitution commits to a country in which all are equal, regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, sex, opinion, political affiliation, property or social origin.

Moldova can be proud as an active member of the universal family of the United Nations, committed to its Charter and the Human Rights Declaration.

Moldova can be proud that in the last two years, the number of children with disabilities attending mainstream school and kindergartens doubled.

Now is the time for those with mental, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities to fully benefit, to live outside institutions, integrate into communities, and exercise full legal capacity.

Moldova can be proud to have opened its doors to foreigners in need, offering humanitarian protection to nearly 300 people: its ongoing efforts to regularize the situation of people who are stateless is an equally compelling mission.

Moldova can be proud of its national referral system which helped victims of trafficking and domestic violence. Strengthening protection against gender based violence, getting to its root causes, must continue.

Moldova can be proud that its justice system is less punitive towards children. Now is the time to redouble judicial reform efforts more broadly.

Moldova can be proud of more women in leadership positions. Now it is important to carry on this practice, to secure de facto equality in politics, national and local administrations, civil society and business.

Moldova can be proud of its cooperation between civil society and State in the area of health. Now is the time to intensify the collective efforts for zero new infections, zero discrimination and access to confidential treatment, including for those in prisons.

The UN urged that differences be cherished as a precious asset of humanity.

Moldova counts on national mechanisms, laws, and a vibrant civil society.

Now is the time for Moldova to make that quantum leap and ensure that every person  in Moldova enjoys the supreme values.

The UN family stands with and by you!

Thank you.