OSCE continues to support Moldova in enhancing human rights protection in the security sector

The OSCE organized a four-day Training-of-Trainers from 15 to 18 February 2026 for ten staff members of the Office of the People’s Advocate (PAO) of Moldova to strengthen the Office’s internal capacities in promoting the protection of human rights within the security sector.

The course was designed to equip participants with the skills to cascade knowledge across security institutions and enhance co-operation between oversight and security bodies.

Head of Staff of the PAO Vladimir Cojocaru underlined the role of the ombuds institutions in ensuring oversight of the security sector and emphasised the need for sustained strengthening of PAO’s capacities in this regard. 

The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Izabela Sylwia Hartmann and the OSCE Secretariat’s Project Officer for Security Sector Governance and Reform, Ruzanna Baghdasaryan welcomed the training participants, highlighting the OSCE’s commitment to promoting the protection of human rights in the security sector and reaffirming readiness for continued support to the People’s Advocate of Moldova.

The course combined sessions on adult learning methodologies with modules on challenges in identifying human rights violations and ensuring protection within the security sector. Through practical exercises, participants explored various techniques of adult learning and training delivery, discussed resistance to change and communication in crisis situations, as well main risks related to ill-treatment, discrimination and abuse of power in the security sector. 

Since 2024, the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Support, Capacity Building and Awareness-Raising for SSG/R within the OSCE” has provided targeted assistance to the Moldova’s People’s Advocate’s Office, including in the development of policy guidance and methodologies, strengthening staff capacity to process complaints and conducting own-motion investigations.