Advocate from Moldova Speaks on COVID-19 and Deinstitutionalization at Regional UN Consultation

On February 25, 2021 the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities held a consultation with persons with disabilities through their representative organizations on the theme: “From isolation, invisibility and segregation into inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community. Identifying and overcoming barriers to the successful process of deinstitutionalization.” This regional consultation for Eastern Europe and Central Asia was the first of a series of such consultations taking place around the world in the first half of 2021. 

Marcel Lemnaru, a self-advocate from Moldova, delivered a statement to the Committee about fighting against the discrimination he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and made recommendations on how to move the deinstitutionalization process forward. Mr. Lemnaru was supported by Dr. Parascovia Munteanu, Keystone Moldova’s Program Manager Deinstitutionalization and Community Development. Dr. Munteanu also submitted a written statement to the Committee compiled from input by people with disabilities through Keystone Moldova’s hotline service.

Thanks to Inclusion International for supporting Keystone’s participation in this important event.