On 28 May, the OSCE Mission to Moldova co-organized a roundtable in Chisinau on the role of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights in advancing human rights due diligence and preventing labour exploitation in supply chains in the Republic of Moldova. The event was co-organized with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, The Office of the People's Advocate, and the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.
The National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights published by the People's Advocate (Ombudsman) in December 2025 confirms that while Moldova's constitutional and legal framework broadly aligns with international standards, the application of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) remains fragmented. Alignment with the UNGPs, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and EU requirements on corporate sustainability due diligence, sustainable finance, and trade and import/ export controls can contribute to safer supply chains, fairer recruitment practices, and enhanced prevention of labour exploitation in Moldova.
The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Izabela Sylwia Hartmann, highlighted that:
"Preventing labor exploitation and human trafficking in supply chains requires all of us, and stakeholders must support and rely on each other. It gives me great pleasure to see that Moldova's commitment to human rights extends beyond national authorities and international organizations, and includes the private sector, civil society, and partners from our neighbour, Ukraine. We each have a unique role to play in promoting good business practices, educating consumers, and monitoring our own spheres of influence to ensure that supply chains are free from labour exploitation."
Bringing together representatives from the Government of the Republic of Moldova and technical experts from civil society, international organizations and the European Union, the event discussed the need for a comprehensive and coherent framework to understand the role of business in identifying, preventing, and addressing adverse human rights impacts linked to their operations and supply chains. The Deputy Coordinator of the Office of the Special Representative for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB), Jean-Benoit Manhes, said:
"The OSCE approach is clear: labour exploitation in supply chains undermines fair competition, increases social tensions, creates distrust by investors and importers and constitutes a breach of rights for people who are already vulnerable. In a global context of stronger scrutiny, awareness and standards, this roundtable is the beginning of the reinforcement of a process of vital importance for Moldova going forward."
Ceslav Panico, the Republic of Moldova's People's Advocate (Ombudsman), looked to the future of the joint initiative:
"The opportunities for the country's economic development that arose with the pre-accession measures for the European Union have necessitated a new approach to respect for human rights from the perspective of the business sector. The experience of European countries in developing and implementing national action plans on human rights in the business environment is welcome for the Republic of Moldova, which is taking its first steps toward making businesses responsible to society and the environment. Measures to minimize the impact of economic activities on the right to health and the ecosystem, to ensure safe and accessible remedies for victims, as well as preventive measures, are to be developed through a broad participatory process. The People's Advocate Office stands ready to engage alongside state institutions and civil society."
