Promo-LEX Association has released its first quarterly human rights monitoring report for 2026, covering January-March. The findings indicate a continued and systemic deterioration of human rights amid repressive measures, economic crisis, and intensified propaganda.
The main findings indicate the following problems:
- Expansion of surveillance and control mechanisms: New “legislative initiatives” target men aged 16-65 and strengthen recruitment into paramilitary structures.
- Militarization and indoctrination of children: Over 74,000 children and youth are exposed to propaganda and encouraged to join military-oriented education.
- Serious human rights violations in illegal detention: The case of Evghenii Pancioha highlights arbitrary detention, inhumane conditions, and lack of adequate medical care.
- Severe underfunding of the penitentiary system:
- approx. USD 6 per detainee/year for medical care;
- no funds allocated for repairing living spaces in 2026.
- Restrictions on freedom of expression: Proposed fines for “online insults,” including for minors aged 14+, with vague definitions enabling abuse.
- Deep economic and energy crisis:
- budget deficit exceeding 51%;
- heating suspended in over 1,600 buildings;
- salary delays in the public sector.
In this context, the Promo-LEX Association calls on national authorities and international partners to:
- immediate and unconditional release of illegally detained persons;
- international monitoring access (including OSCE);
- establishment of a post-detention assistance mechanism;
- ending militarization and propaganda in education;
- safeguarding freedom of expression;
- increased support by constitutional authorities for affected populations.
The full report in Romanian and English can be accessed here.
The report was prepared by the Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the National Endowment for Democracy and the Soros Foundation Moldova. The opinions expressed in the report belong exclusively to the authors; they cannot be interpreted in any way as reflecting the opinion and position of the National Endowment for Democracy and the Soros Foundation Moldova.