WOMEN"S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE CONTINUES CONSIDERATION OF REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA"S INITIAL REPORT

Press Release
WOM/1227

WOMEN’S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE CONTINUES CONSIDERATION OF REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA’S INITIAL REPORT

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women met this afternoon to continue it’s in-depth consideration of the Republic of Moldova’s compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The report had been presented at the Committee’s morning meeting.

While applauding frankness of Moldova's presentation, some experts this afternoon expressed concern about what were seen as several clear contradictions to the letter and spirit of the Convention. For example, experts were disturbed by increased reports of violence against women, particularly in the area of domestic or family violence. In Moldova, authorities could only intervene in cases of domestic violence when there were severe injuries. There was an absolute need for the Government to change that policy, one expert said, as it was a clear violation of women’s human rights.

The expert pointed out that under the Convention, States parties were equally accountable for violations of civil rights in the public sphere as in the private. She recommended that Moldova refer to the Convention, which provided a thorough definition of violence against women, as well as remedies that could be used to combat it.

Experts also expressed concern for women who were being trafficked. It was generally felt that Moldova's report lacked clear initiatives on that issue. Did Moldova have a strategy to stop the flow of young women entering other countries to work as prostitutes? an expert asked. Were there provisions to protect young girls from service agencies engaged in prostitution and trafficking?

An expert then said that trafficking in women was not only for the purposes of prostitution, but for household help. Many Moldovan women were going to other countries as household help in urban families. Those women had no legal status and were left to the mercy of the agencies that had brought them to other countries. It was an increasing trend that called for the urgent attention of the Moldovan Government. Regulation and investigation of those “agencies” must be undertaken.

The Committee is expected to hear a more in-depth response to its queries from Moldova’s delegation at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 27 June. The Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, 22 June, to hear replies from Lithuania’s delegation.

Women’s Anti-Discrimination Committee - 2 - Press Release WOM/1227 479th Meeting (PM) 21 June 2000

Work Programme

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women met this afternoon to continue its in-depth consideration of the Republic of Moldova’s compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Countries that have ratified the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. The Committee’s expert members then review those reports and make general recommendations on eliminating discrimination against women.

Expert Comments

After hearing the introduction of Moldova’s initial periodic report in its morning session, the Committee opened the discussion this afternoon with a consideration of special measures aimed at accelerating equality between men and women (article 4).

An expert expressed concern that Moldova’s report merely noted that maternity leave was granted, but gave no further specifics. The report also failed to indicate how that leave was paid -- either full or partial salary. What types of financial arrangements were made for single mothers? Women’s non- governmental organizations appeared to play an important role in Moldova’s efforts, another expert said, particularly in the area of trafficking in women.

Another expert said that during the transition period there had been a decrease in the number of women in managerial or decision-making positions. It was most important, then, for the Government to ensure that the process was reversed as quickly as possible. Within the Parliament, had Moldova considered reserving a certain number seats for women?

Turning to stereotypical attitudes in Moldova (article 5), an expert said that the initial report did not specify what programmes were in place to offset some of the negative effects of life in a patriarchal society. What was being done to address the “double burden” incurred by working women? Would the Government institute intensive awareness-raising campaigns to combat negative stereotypes? It was most important for the Government to address the high incidence of rape in the country.

It was generally true that stereotypical roles were exacerbated by the economic and political transition, another expert said. The Government, therefore, must be on the lookout for the re-emergence of old values. Special programmes must be instituted to mitigate those negative effects.

The expert found it very disturbing that in Moldova the authorities only became involved in cases of domestic violence when there were severe injuries. There was an absolute need for the Government to change that policy, as it was a clear violation of women’s human rights. She, therefore, pointed out that under the Convention, States parties were as equally accountable for violations of civil rights in the public sphere, as in the private. She recommended that Moldova refer to the Convention, which provided a thorough definition of violence against women, as well as remedies that could be used to combat it. The media would also be another useful tool in fighting cultural stereotypes.

Several experts highlighted the need for severe revisions to the country’s penal and family codes to address the issue. The Government should particularly take into account training programmes for social workers and law enforcement officials. Special measures should also be taken to address the very high number of rapes in general, and those committed by young men in particular.

On article 6 (prostitution), an expert said that the report lacked initiatives on the issue of trafficking. Had sexual harassment in the workplace been reported? As drug use was becoming more prevalent, did Moldova have any measures to prevent and treat AIDS cases? Did Moldova have a strategy to stop the flow of young women entering other countries to work as prostitutes? How would prostitution be considered legally? Would it fall under the criminal court? Were there provisions to protect young girls from service agencies engaged in prostitution and trafficking? Also, had Moldova discovered cases of child prostitution and pornography?

Another expert said that rape accounted for the highest percentage of all crimes committed in Moldova. In that regard, was it due to a failure of law or order? Did it take place within the family and workplace? Had zones been identified as being prone to that kind of crime? Did statistics on rape in the report include rural areas?

An expert then said that trafficking in women was not only for the purposes of prostitution, but for household help. Many Moldovan women were going to other countries as household help in urban families. Those women had no legal status and were left to the mercy of the agencies that had brought them to other countries. It was an increasing trend that called for the urgent attention of the Moldovan government. Regulation and investigation of those “agencies” must be undertaken. Although the cause was economic, the government must make sure that women did not suffer while trying to earn a living.

Turning to article 7 (women in political life) an expert said that, although there was a constitutional provision for political rights, there was still a low number of women participating in Moldovan political life. How strong were the trade union and women’s movements? Could they take up the issue of participation in public life? Another expert asked about the human rights of the different minority groups in Moldova. Did they have their own schools? On engagement with civil society, was there a plan to finance women’s non-governmental organizations in the future, when Government financing ended?

On article 10 (education), an expert applauded Moldova’s efforts to institute gender-based programmes in the curricula at various level of its educational system. She suggested that the Government urge teachers to use the provisions of the Convention as a teaching tool in that regard.

She was struck, however, by the high percentage of young women studying economics. She wondered how such a high number of school-age girls studying in that field translated into such a large number of women who became economically disadvantaged as they got older.

Another expert expressed concern about the situation of teachers in Moldova. There appeared to be a serious need for improvement in working conditions and distribution of unemployment benefits. It would be helpful to know how many women working within the education system were in decision-making positions? Along with that, what was the real effect of economic restructuring on school-age children?

Another expert asked for statistics on literacy rates. What were the steps being taken to eliminate stereotypes in high school texts? Why was the teaching profession considered a “social disadvantage”? What programmes were in place that encouraged continuing education for adults?

Turning to article 11 (employment), an expert asked for a comparison of women’s and men’s wages in some principle fields of employment. She also wanted to know how the childcare system worked. In the case of working couples, who stayed home with the children? The restructuring of the economy had had an even greater impact on women. How would Moldova handle the adverse impact of the economic situation on women? Also, the report failed to explain projects to promote the situation of women. She asked for more clarification of those projects.

Another expert, pointing out that some 56 per cent of the unemployed were women, asked if women were being provided with compensation. Was there a long waiting list to receive benefits? Regarding the unemployment of highly skilled workers, the trend for highly employed to work as domestic help in other countries would lead to “brain drain” for the future generation. Also, she wanted to know what had caused so many rural schools to close. Was Moldova facing the risk of falling into illiteracy? When rural schools closed, what happened to the children who attended them? On the situation of unemployed rural women, what were the employment opportunities for highly skilled agriculture workers?

An expert asked what measures had been included in Moldova’s national action plan to generate employment. Was there a targeted approach? She also wanted to know if there was a sexual harassment law for women in the workplace. With regard to childcare facilities, did the Government still maintain childcare facilities after the transformation of the economy?

Another expert asked if the draft labour code currently under review had progressed. When would it be completed?

An expert was very concerned that the women of Moldova were using abortion as a family planning method. That made women’s health more vulnerable (article 12) than ever, she said. It was important in that regard to make information on acceptable family planning methods, including the use of contraceptives, readily accessible.

She was also saddened by statistics that showed that the number of women committing murder was on the rise. The Government should pay particular attention to that problem. The increase in female suicides was equally saddening. Why was that happening? Were those women alcoholics or drug addicts?

While it was true that Moldova faced severe financial difficulties, it was also true that women’s health concerns could not be put off. Development could not continue if the population was unhealthy. She also asked that statistics be provided on the occurrence of tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients.

Another expert commented on Moldova’s proposal to privatize its health care system. That did not seem to be the answer, she said. Lessons had shown that privatization created gaps in care between the rich and the poor. It had also

been shown that government expenditures increased under privatized health care schemes. She urged Moldova to re-examine their initiatives in that area. She also identified three high priority health care issue to which the Government should pay particular attention: communicable or infectious diseases; emergency care; and victims of domestic violence.

On article 13, an expert asked if married women had access to housing allowances and health insurance. Did women qualify for bank loans and other forms of credit? Were there any mechanisms for women to complain if they did not qualify? Also, the report did not contain any information on cultural activities. Would the next report contain such information?

On article 14, an expert asked how many women were heads of enterprises. The report also did not contain information on their access to credit. What were the activities of rural women? She also asked for information on training programmes for women in agriculture. Did they have sufficient knowledge and expertise? She asked for more information in the next report on the various aspects of the article on rural women. What resources were being used at present to help rural women have access to health services? What were their housing conditions?

Turning to article 16, (women in marriage and family life), an expert said that the family situation had a serious impact on women. In the code on marriage and family, did the courts apply the provisions of the law fairly to men and women, and did husbands accept such measures in reality? Did Moldova have an example of jurisprudence?

Another expert asked if there was recognition for other forms of family? Did single-headed households have the same rights and privileges?

Asking about the minimum age for marriage, another expert said that men and women must have equal rights in the marriage age. If the minimum age for a woman to marry was 16, the law could force her to stop her education to get married. Also, she wanted to know what the “special occasions” were for reducing the marriage age?

In a brief statement following comments by the experts, Moldova’s Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family, ANGHELINA APOSTOL, thanked the Committee for its thorough consideration of Moldova’s initial report. She looked forward to returning to present equally thorough and in-depth replies to the Committee’s concerns. She acknowledged, however, that owing to the current economic and political instability of her country, some of the Committee’s queries might have to be answered in the negative. That notwithstanding, the Committee should rest assured that Moldova would continue to work hard to ensure the equal rights of women.

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