LocationsCivil society organizations from both banks of Nistru River will advance inclusive community services
June 24, 2026
On 24 June 2026, a new cohort of grant-supported initiatives aimed at promoting human rights and expanding inclusive, community-based services on both banks of the Nistru River was presented.
The event was organized within the framework of the One UN Joint Action “Cross-river Support for Human Rights”, funded by Sweden.
The grants, offered via UNDP, were selected competitively via a call that gathered 17 proposals. The awarded five initiatives, of up to US$15,000 each, target some of the most pressing community needs. The supported initiatives will:
- expand access to legal, psychosocial, and social services for vulnerable groups;
- promote the rights and inclusion of children and persons with disabilities;
- strengthen community-based care and support services;
- enhance employment opportunities and independent living skills;
- advance advocacy and awareness on human rights.
Some of the initiatives build on previously supported efforts, ensuring continuity of essential services for people with severe intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and reinforcing successful cross-river cooperation models.
Additionally, thanks to a special contribution of US$35,000 offered by Sweden via UNDP, the only shelter for gender-based violence survivors in the region will be able to continue to provide essential services.
“Sweden remains a steadfast partner in human rights initiatives in the Republic of Moldova and remains committed to integrating the principles of inclusion into all of its projects in the country. We encourage the exploration of new financial instruments, including those of the European Union, to expand partnerships and local impact,” said Oxana Paierele, Programme Coordinator at the Swedish Embassy to the Republic of Moldova.
“We are proud to support local solutions that bring services closer to people and ensure that no one is left behind, especially those facing multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities,” said Victoria Muntean, Programme Specialist at UNDP Moldova. “By strengthening civil society on both banks of the Nistru River, we are building sustainable partnerships that promote human rights, inclusion, and resilience at community level.”
For more than a decade, the One UN Joint Action "Cross-river Support for Human Rights" has played a key role in advancing confidence-building measures and inclusive development, reinforcing the commitment of the United Nations to support people-centered solutions across both banks of Nistru.
In 2017, the Platform for Sustainable (Community) Development was established, with more than 45 members from both banks of the Nistru and recognized as a space for sharing experiences and facilitating cooperation. UNDP and Sweden support the operations of the platform and its working groups (advocacy and social services).
As part of the One UN Joint Action, UNDP and Sweden have supported, via partner CSOs, the expansion of legal and psychological assistance services.
The “Personal Assistant” service was piloted by a CSO on the left bank of the Nistru River, facilitating the process for caregivers for people with disabilities to be recognized as personal assistants.
At the same time, the ADOS-2 methodology for the early detection of autism in children was implemented on the left bank of the Nistru River. Specialists were trained in the use of advanced diagnostic tools to assess linguistic, cognitive, and functional abilities.
