The purpose of this project is to support the resolution of interethnic conflict and prevent discrimination in the Republic of Moldova (Eastern Europe).

Project activities include research and advisory papers on human rights and discrimination issues under examination of the Moldovan Equality Council. Students will research legal instruments and experiences from the international body of «hard» and «soft» human rights law, as well as Canadian, European and other relevant experiences that could be applicable to the Moldovan context.

Students will research on contemporary human rights and discrimination issues, allowing students to: (a) develop their legal research skills; (b) understand better contemporary human rights issues; (c) transpose their knowledge into practical work and gain initial professional experience; (d) gain exposure to realities outside Canada and learn comparatively about a new country and legal setting; (e) develop an understanding about the relationship between grievances, conflict generation and resolution.

Outputs developed to the date have to do with the functioning of languages in Moldova, and a framework on human rights based approach to languages, in addition to international and comparative law research in support of the Council's analyses of selected cases.

Project Partner: Equality Councill of Moldova, a quasi-judicial body resolving discrimination complaints and cases in the Republic of Moldova

Academic Advisor: Professor John Packer (Director, HRREC)

Project Coordinator: Slava (Veaceslav) Balan, HRREC Member