Feedback ADC Memorial has prepared a review of the situation of vulnerable groups for the EU-Moldova Human Rights Dialogue.
ADC Memorial emphasized the situation of working migrants and their families forced to return to Moldova due to the pandemic. According to the International Organization for Migration, around a half of the Moldovan migrants have lost their jobs abroad last months and stopped sending money to their families. Not receiving remittances, around 100 000 Moldovans could fall under the poverty line. Even now, many families could not afford to cover their basic needs.
The economic recession seriously affected Roma minority: many Roma worked informally or as seasonal workers abroad, and now they neither have any income nor receive social payments. The normal educational process for Roma children and children from other vulnerable groups has ceased with the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the lack of computers and/or other devices for distance learning and access to the Internet.
As elsewhere, the pandemic has a negative impact on women: they comprise the majority of infected with the virus, domestic violence has raised.
ADC Memorial has recommended European External Action Service to draw attention of the government of Moldova at these problems and adopt measures improving the situation of the vulnerable groups.
Human Rights Dialogue of the government of Moldova and of the European Union takes place annually; the next meeting will be in autumn.