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On 25 May 2013, the Promo-LEX Association obtained associate membership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). This makes Promo-LEX the only representative of the Republic of Moldova in this prestigious international structure.

A Forum entitled “Political Transitions from a Human Rights Perspective: Experiences and Challenges” was organized in Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the 38th International Congress of the FIDH. The event took place on 23-27 May 2013 and brought together more than 120 human rights activists, representatives of FIDH member organizations and other partners around the world.

Present at the Congress, Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court, appreciated the contribution of the FIDH and its member organizations to promoting the ratification of the Rome Statute, adding that: “85 years ago, FIDH called for a Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to create an International Criminal Court. Today we have both, but the process is not completed, and the struggle for human rights and their universality continues.” According to the President of the International Criminal Court, “states’ international commitments lead in effect to peace and prosperity, citing Turkey as a positive example in this regard.”

FIDH President Souhayr Belhassen said that this Congress, held in Istanbul, is an unprecedented event, organized under the slogan “Freedom, Justice, Dignity, Equality”.

Stavros Lambrinidis, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, told the history of his family, which suffered during the dictatorship in Greece, adding that civil society has a special role in maintaining a balance in the community. “The role of NGOs is not to be tolerated by their governments. In turn, governments are not obliged to agree, but they have an obligation to ensure that these groups and NGOs have the freedom and opportunity to pursue their work freely.”  He added that, in fact, “Human rights is the universal language of the powerless against those who hold power”.

The Forum promoted an exchange of experiences and expertise between human rights defenders and organizations from over one hundred countries. Participants debated topics such as: strengthening justice, institutional and NGO support, the place of religion, the role of women as drivers of transition, minority rights, the promotion of economic and social rights and the role of private companies and international financial institutions in times of transition. This event was an opportunity to strengthen alliances and action strategies identified for these key challenges.

FIDH chose to organize this event in Turkey, and dedicated it to the problem of visualizing the political transition from a human rights perspective. Turkey is currently at a crossroads, with peace negotiations underway after years of bloody conflict. Turkey is also closely observed by governments in the Middle East and North Africa that recently acquired power and are currently undergoing political transition.

FIDH is an international organization that defends all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FIDH works in the political and legal field to create and strengthen international instruments for the respect and protection of human rights worldwide.

FIDH believes that the transformation of society is primarily the responsibility of local actors. FIDH activities tend to contribute to capacity building of local stakeholders and increase their influence in solving local problems. FIDH acts at a national, regional and local level to support members and partner organizations involved in the protection and promotion of human rights and strengthening democracy.

Associate membership in the FIDH is an important step for the Promo-LEX Association towards achieving the mission of the organization, both at a national and international level.

For more details please contact: Ion Manole, Executive Director, Promo-LEX Association, Tel: (+373 22) 492684, [email protected]