| MOLDOVA Republic of Moldova Republica Moldova Joined United Nations: 2 March 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 01 February 2013 |
TITLE II - FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND DUTIES
CHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 15. Universality
The Constitution in conjunction with other laws grants the citizens of the Republic of Moldova their rights and freedoms and also lays
down their duties upon them.
Article 16. Equality of Rights
(1) It is the foremost duty of the State to respect and protect the human person.
(2) All citizens of the Republic of Moldova are equal before the law and the public authorities, without any discrimination as to race,
nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, political choice, personal property or social origin.
Article 17. Citizenship of the Republic of Moldova
(1) The citizenship of the Republic of Moldova ran be acquired, retained or lost only under the conditions provided for by the organic law.
(2) No one may be deprived arbitrarily of his/her citizenship or the right to change it.
(3) No citizen of the Republic of Moldova can be extradited or expelled from his/her country.
(4) Foreign or stateless citizens may be extradited only in compliance with an international agreement or under conditions of reciprocity in
consequence of a decision of a court of law.
Article 18. Citizenship Restrictions and State Protection for its Nationals
(1) Except in those cases where international accords adhered to by the Republic of Moldova have different provisions, no citizen of the
Republic of Moldova may be simultaneously a citizen of another country.
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Moldova enjoy the protection of their State both at home and abroad.
Article 19. Rights and Duties of Aliens and Stateless Persons
(1) Except in cases where the law has different rulings, aliens and stateless persons shall enjoy the same rights and shall have the same
duties as the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
(2) The right to asylum shall be granted and denied by rule of law in compliance with those international treaties the Republic of Moldova
is a party to.
Article 20. Free Access to Justice
(1) Every citizen has the right to obtain effective protection from competent courts of jurisdiction against actions infringing on his/her
legitimate rights, freedoms and interests.
(2) No law may restrict the access to justice.
Article 21. Presumption of Innocence
Any person accused to have committed an offense shall be presumed innocent until found guilty on legal grounds, brought forward in a
public trial in the course of which all guarantees for necessary defense will have been taken.
Article 22. Non-retroactivity of Law
No one may be sentenced for actions or omissions which did not constitute an offense at the time they were committed.. Also, no
punishment may be given that is harsher than that applicable at the time when the offense was committed.
Article 23. The Right to Know One's Rights and Duties
(1) Every one has the right to an acknowledged legal status.
(2) The State ensures the right of everybody to know his/her rights and duties. For that purpose the State shall publish all its laws and
regulations and make them accessible to everybody.
CHAPTER II - FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Article 24. The Right to Life and Physical and Mental Integrity
(1) The State guarantees everybody the right to life, and to physical and mental integrity.
(2) No one may be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment.
(3) Until its final prohibition, capital punishment may be applied only if it is based on a sentence passed in a court of justice, as foreseen
by law.
Article 25. Individual Freedom and Personal Security
(1) Individual freedom and personal security are declared to be inviolable.
(2) Searching, detaining in custody or arresting a person shall be permitted only if based on the authority of law.
(3) The period of detention in custody may not exceed 24 hours.
(4) Persons may be arrested only under warrant issued by a magistrate for a maximum time limit of 30 days. The arrested may contest
the legality of the warrant and lay a complaint before a court judge who is bound to reply by way of a motivated decision. The time limit
of detention may be extended to 6 months and in exceptional cases, if approved by decision of Parliament, to 12 months.
(5) The person detained in custody or arrested shall be informed without delay or the reasons for his detention or arrest, as well as of the
charges made against him/her, which may take place only in the presence of a lawyer, either chosen by the defendant or appointed ex
officio.
(6) If the reasons for detention in custody or arrest have ceased to exist the release of the person concerned must follow without delay.
Article 26. Right of Defense
(1) The right of defense is guaranteed.
(2) Everybody has the right to respond independently by appropriate legitimate means to an infringement of his/her rights and freedoms.
(3) Throughout the trial the parties have the right to be assisted by a lawyer, either chosen or appointed ex officio.
(4) Any interference with the activity of those carrying out the defense within legally established confines shall be punished by authority
of law.
Article 27. The Right to Free Movement
(1) The right to move freely within the boundaries of one's native country is guaranteed.
(2) Every citizen of the Republic of Moldova is guaranteed the right to choose his place of residence anywhere within the national
territory, to travel in and out of the country, also to emigrate at will.
Article 28. Private and Family Life
The State shall respect and protect private and family life.
Article 29. Inviolability of Domicile
(1) The domicile is inviolable. No one may enter upon or stay on the premises of a domicile without the owner's consent.
(2) The law shall allow for derogation from the provisions of paragraph (1) under the following circumstances:
a) for executing an arrest warrant or a decision of a court of law;
b) for forestalling imminent danger threatening the life, physical integrity or the property of a person;
c) for preventing the spread of an epidemic disease.
(3) Searches and questioning in a domicile may be ordered and carried out only in accordance with the rule of law.
(4) Except for cases where an obvious offense has been committed, night searches are forbidden.
Article 30. Privacy of Correspondence
The State shall ensure the privacy of letters, telegrams, other postal dispatches, of telephone conversations and of using other legal means
of communication.
Article 31. Freedom of Conscience
(1) The freedom of conscience is guaranteed, and its manifestations should be in a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect.
(2) The freedom of religious worship is guaranteed and religious bodies are free to organize themselves according to their own statutes
under the rule of law.
(3) In their mutual relationships religious cults are forbidden to use, express or incite to hatred or enmity.
(4) Religious cults are autonomous vis-a-vis the State and shall enjoy the latter's support, including that aimed at providing religious
assistance in the army, in hospitals, prisons, homes for the elderly and orphanages.
Article 32. Freedom of Opinion and Expression
(1) All citizens are guaranteed the freedom of opinion as well as the freedom of publicly expressing their thoughts and opinions by way of
word, image or any other means possible.
(2) The freedom of expression may not harm the honor, dignity or the rights of other people to have and express their own opinions or
judgments.
(3) The law shall forbid and prosecute all actions aimed at denying and slandering the State or the people. Likewise shall be forbidden
and prosecuted the instigations to sedition, war, aggression, ethnic, racial or religious hatred, the incitement to discrimination, territorial
separatism, public violence, or other actions threatening constitutional order.
Article 33. Freedom to Create
(1) The freedom to create scientific and artistic works is guaranteed. Creative work may not be submitted to censorship.
(2) The law shall protect the rights of citizens to their intellectual property, and to the material and moral interests related to various forms
of intellectual creation.
(3) The State shall support the preservation, development and propagation of national and world achievements in culture and science.
Article 34. The Right of Access to Information
(1) Having access to any information of public interest is everybody's right, that may not be curtailed.
(2) According with their established level of competence, public authorities shall ensure that citizens are correctly informed both on
public affairs and matters of personal interest.
(3) The right of access to information may not prejudice either the measures taken to protect the citizens or the national security.
(4) The State and private media are obliged to ensure that correct information reaches public opinion.
(5) The public media shall not be submitted to censorship.
Article 35. The Right of Access to Education
(1) The right of access to education is put into effect through the compulsory comprehensive public school system, lyceal (public
secondary school) and vocational education, as well as the higher education system, and other forms of instruction and training.
(2) The State will enforce under the law the right of each person to choose his/her language in which teaching will be effected.
(3) In all forms of educational institutions the study of the country's official language will be ensured.
(4) State public education is free.
(5) All educational institutions, including those that are not financed by the state, shall be established and function under the rule of law.
(6) Higher education institutions have the right to be autonomous.
(7) The access to lyceal, vocational and higher education is equally open to all and is based on personal merit.
(8) The State ensures under the law the freedom of religious education. The State ensures a lay education.
(9) The priority right of choosing an appropriate educational background for children lies with the parents.
Article 36. The Right of Health Security
(1) The right of health security is guaranteed.
(2) The State shall provide a minimum health insurance, that is free.
(3) Organic laws will establish the structure of the national health security system and the means necessary for protecting individual
physical and mental health.
Article 37. The Right to Live in a Healthy Environment
(1) Every human being has the right to live in an environment that is ecologically safe for life and health, to obtain healthy food products
and harmless household appliances.
(2) The State guarantees every citizen the right of free access to truthful information regarding the state of the natural environment, the
living and working conditions, and the quality of food products and household appliances.
(3) Non-disclosure or falsification of information regarding factors detrimental to human health constitute offenses punishable by law.
(4) Private individuals and legal entities shall be held responsible before the law for any damages they may cause to personal health and
property due to an ecological offense.
Article 38. The Right of Voting and Being Elected
(1) The foundation of State power is the will of the people made known through free elections hold at regular intervals and based on
universal, equal, direct and free suffrage.
(2) Except for the persons banned from voting by law, all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova having attained the age of 18 on or by
the voting day inclusively have the right to vote.
(3) The right of being elected is granted to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova enjoying the right of voting.
Article 39. The Right of Administering
(1) The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have the right of participating in the administration of public affairs, either directly or through
their representatives.
(2) The access to a public office or position guaranteed by law to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
Article 40. The Freedom of Assembly
All meetings, demonstrations, rallies, processions or any other assemblies are free, and they may be organized and take place only
peacefully and without the use of weapons.
Article 41. The Freedom of Political Association
(1) All citizens are free to associate in parties and other social and political organizations. These organizations contribute to the definition
and expression of public political will, and under the rule of law take part in the electing process.
(2) All parties and other social/political organizations are equal before the law.
(3) The State shall ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of parties and other social/political organizations.
(4) Parties and social/political organizations are declared unconstitutional if by their aims or activities they are engaged in fighting against
political pluralism, the principles of the rule of law, the sovereignty and independence or territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.
(5) Secret associations are forbidden.
(6) The activity of parties consisting of foreign nationals is forbidden.
(7) The organic law shall establish those public offices whose holders may not join political parties.
Article 42. The Right of Establishing and Joining Trades-Unions
(1) Any employee has the right to establish and join a trades-union in order to defend his/her interests.
(2) Trades-unions are founded and carry on their activities in accordance with their statutes under the law. They make their contribution
to the defense of employees professional, economic and social interests.
Article 43. The Right of Working and of Access to Work
(1) Every person has the right to freely choose his/her work, and to benefit from equitable and satisfactory working conditions, as well as
to be protected against unemployment.
(2) All employees have the right of work protection. In this respect the protective measures will bear upon work security and hygiene,
working conditions for women and young people, the introduction of minimum wages across the national economy, the weekly period of
rest, the paid holidays, difficult working conditions, as well as other specific situations.
(3) The length of the working week shall not exceed 40 hours.
(4) The right of collective bargaining is guaranteed, and so is the legal enforceability of collective agreements.
Article 44. Prohibition of Forced Labour
(1) Forced labour is prohibited.
(2) Not to be regarded as forced labour are the following:
a) military -like duty or the activities designed to replace it, carried out by those who under the law are exempted from compulsory
military service;
b) work done by a convicted person under normal conditions, in custody or on conditional release;
c) services such as required to deal with calamities or other dangers or as considered under the law to be a part of normal obligations of
civilians.
Article 45. The Right of Striking
(1) The right to strike is acknowledged. Strikes may be started only if aimed at defending the economic, social and professional interests
of employees.
(2) The law will establish the conditions requested in the exercise of this right, as well as the responsibility involved in the illegal start of
strikes.
Article 46. The Right of Private Property and Its Protection
(1) The right to possess private property and the debts incurred by the State are guaranteed.
(2) No one may be expropriated except for reasons dictated by public necessity, as established by law and against just and appropriate
compensation made in advance.
(3) No assets legally acquired may be confiscated. The effective presumption is that of legal acquirement.
(4) Goods destined for, used or resulted from crimes or offenses may be confiscated only as established by law.
(5) The right of private property carries with it the duty to observe the rules regarding the protection of the environment, the maintenance
of good neighbourly relations and the observance of all the other duties that have to be fulfilled by owners of private property under the
law.
(6) The right to inherit private property is guaranteed.
Article 47. The Right of Receiving Social Assistance and Protection
(1) The State is obliged to take action aimed at ensuring that every person has a decent standard of living, whereby good health and
welfare, based on available food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and services are secured for that person and his/her family.
(2) All citizens have the right to be insured against such adversities as unemployment, disease, disability, widowhood, old age or other
situations where, due to causes beyond one's control one loses the source or means of obtaining the necessities of life.
Article 48. Family
(1) The family is the natural and fundamental constituent of society, and as such has the right to be protected by the State and by society.
(2) The family is founded on the freely consented marriage of husband and wife, on the spouses equality of rights and on the duty of
parents to ensure their children's upbringing and education.
(3) The law shall establish under which conditions a marriage may be concluded, terminated or annulled.
(4) Children have a duty to look after their parents and help them in need.
Article 49. Protection of Family and Orphaned Children
(1) By economic and other actions the State shall support the formation and development of families, and the fulfillment of their duties.
(2) The State shall protect the motherhood, the children and the young and promote the development of the institutions required to put
that protection into effect.
(3) All efforts aimed at maintaining bringing up and educating orphaned children and those children deprived of parental care constitute the
responsibility of the State and of society. The State promotes and supports charitable activities for the benefit of these children.
Article 50. Protection of Mothers, Children and Young People
(1) Mothers and children have the right of receiving special protection and care. All children, including those born out of wedlock, shall
enjoy the benefits of the same social assistance.
(2) Children and young people enjoy a special form of assistance in the enforcement or their rights.
(3) The State shall grant the required allowances for children and the aid needed for the care of sick or disabled children. The law shall
provide for other forms of social assistance for children and the young.
(4) Both the exploitation of minors and their misuse in activities endangering their health, moral conduct, life or normal development are
forbidden.
(5) It is the duty of the public authorities to establish the conditions enabling the young people to take part freely in the social, economic,
cultural and sporting life of the country.
Article 51. Protection of Disabled Persons
(1) The disabled persons shall enjoy a special form of protection from the whole of society. The State shall ensure that normal conditions
exist for medical treatment and rehabilitation, education, training and integration of disabled persons.
(2) Except for those cases that are provided for under the law nobody may be submitted to forced medical treatment.
Article 52. Right of Petitioning
(1) All citizens have the right to apply to public authority by way of petitions formulated in behalf of the applicants.
(2) Legally established organizations may petition exclusively in behalf of the associations or bodies they represent.
Article 53. Rights of Persons Aggrieved by Public Authority.
(1) Any person, whose rights have been trespassed upon in any way by public authority through an administrative ruling or lack of timely
legal reply to an application, is entitled to obtain acknowledgment of those rights, the cancellation of the ruling and payment of damages.
(2) The State is under patrimonial liability as foreseen by the law for any prejudice or injury caused in lawsuits through errors of police or
the judiciary
Article 54. Restricting the Exercise of Certain Rights or Freedoms
(1) The exercise of certain rights or freedoms may be restricted only under the law and only as required in cases like: the defense of
national security, of public order, health or morals, of citizens rights and freedoms, the carrying of the investigations in criminal cases,
preventing the consequences of a natural calamity or of a technological disaster.
(2) The restrictions enforced must be in proportion to the situation that caused it, and may not affect the existence of that right or liberty.
CHAPTER III - FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
Article 55. Exercise of Rights and Freedoms as Part of An Integrated System.
(1) Every citizen has to perform certain duties towards State and society, and these duties are such as derive directly from the rights and
freedoms that are guaranteed to him/her.
(2) Respect is due to all legitimate rights and interests and to the dignity of other citizens.
Article 56. Allegiance to the Country
(1) Allegiance and loyalty to the country are sacred.
(2) Citizens entrusted with the holding of public office, as well as the military, are under the responsibility to fulfil faithfully their duties
towards the state, and in given situations shall also take the oath as requested by law.
Article 57. Defense of Motherland
(1) It is the right and the sacred duty of every citizen to defend one's motherland.
(2) The national armed forces constitute the framework for performing military service, for national defense, guarding the borders, and
maintaining public order under the law.
Article 58. Financial Contributions
(1) All citizens are under obligation to contribute by way of taxes and financial impositions to public expenditure.
(2) The system of legal taxation must ensure a just distribution of fiscal burdens over the population.
(3) All taxation other than that established by law is forbidden.
Article 59. Protection of Environment and Public Monuments
It is the duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment, and to preserve and protect the country's historical and cultural sites and
monuments.
CHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 15. Universality
The Constitution in conjunction with other laws grants the citizens of the Republic of Moldova their rights and freedoms and also lays
down their duties upon them.
Article 16. Equality of Rights
(1) It is the foremost duty of the State to respect and protect the human person.
(2) All citizens of the Republic of Moldova are equal before the law and the public authorities, without any discrimination as to race,
nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, political choice, personal property or social origin.
Article 17. Citizenship of the Republic of Moldova
(1) The citizenship of the Republic of Moldova ran be acquired, retained or lost only under the conditions provided for by the organic law.
(2) No one may be deprived arbitrarily of his/her citizenship or the right to change it.
(3) No citizen of the Republic of Moldova can be extradited or expelled from his/her country.
(4) Foreign or stateless citizens may be extradited only in compliance with an international agreement or under conditions of reciprocity in
consequence of a decision of a court of law.
Article 18. Citizenship Restrictions and State Protection for its Nationals
(1) Except in those cases where international accords adhered to by the Republic of Moldova have different provisions, no citizen of the
Republic of Moldova may be simultaneously a citizen of another country.
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Moldova enjoy the protection of their State both at home and abroad.
Article 19. Rights and Duties of Aliens and Stateless Persons
(1) Except in cases where the law has different rulings, aliens and stateless persons shall enjoy the same rights and shall have the same
duties as the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
(2) The right to asylum shall be granted and denied by rule of law in compliance with those international treaties the Republic of Moldova
is a party to.
Article 20. Free Access to Justice
(1) Every citizen has the right to obtain effective protection from competent courts of jurisdiction against actions infringing on his/her
legitimate rights, freedoms and interests.
(2) No law may restrict the access to justice.
Article 21. Presumption of Innocence
Any person accused to have committed an offense shall be presumed innocent until found guilty on legal grounds, brought forward in a
public trial in the course of which all guarantees for necessary defense will have been taken.
Article 22. Non-retroactivity of Law
No one may be sentenced for actions or omissions which did not constitute an offense at the time they were committed.. Also, no
punishment may be given that is harsher than that applicable at the time when the offense was committed.
Article 23. The Right to Know One's Rights and Duties
(1) Every one has the right to an acknowledged legal status.
(2) The State ensures the right of everybody to know his/her rights and duties. For that purpose the State shall publish all its laws and
regulations and make them accessible to everybody.
CHAPTER II - FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Article 24. The Right to Life and Physical and Mental Integrity
(1) The State guarantees everybody the right to life, and to physical and mental integrity.
(2) No one may be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment.
(3) Until its final prohibition, capital punishment may be applied only if it is based on a sentence passed in a court of justice, as foreseen
by law.
Article 25. Individual Freedom and Personal Security
(1) Individual freedom and personal security are declared to be inviolable.
(2) Searching, detaining in custody or arresting a person shall be permitted only if based on the authority of law.
(3) The period of detention in custody may not exceed 24 hours.
(4) Persons may be arrested only under warrant issued by a magistrate for a maximum time limit of 30 days. The arrested may contest
the legality of the warrant and lay a complaint before a court judge who is bound to reply by way of a motivated decision. The time limit
of detention may be extended to 6 months and in exceptional cases, if approved by decision of Parliament, to 12 months.
(5) The person detained in custody or arrested shall be informed without delay or the reasons for his detention or arrest, as well as of the
charges made against him/her, which may take place only in the presence of a lawyer, either chosen by the defendant or appointed ex
officio.
(6) If the reasons for detention in custody or arrest have ceased to exist the release of the person concerned must follow without delay.
Article 26. Right of Defense
(1) The right of defense is guaranteed.
(2) Everybody has the right to respond independently by appropriate legitimate means to an infringement of his/her rights and freedoms.
(3) Throughout the trial the parties have the right to be assisted by a lawyer, either chosen or appointed ex officio.
(4) Any interference with the activity of those carrying out the defense within legally established confines shall be punished by authority
of law.
Article 27. The Right to Free Movement
(1) The right to move freely within the boundaries of one's native country is guaranteed.
(2) Every citizen of the Republic of Moldova is guaranteed the right to choose his place of residence anywhere within the national
territory, to travel in and out of the country, also to emigrate at will.
Article 28. Private and Family Life
The State shall respect and protect private and family life.
Article 29. Inviolability of Domicile
(1) The domicile is inviolable. No one may enter upon or stay on the premises of a domicile without the owner's consent.
(2) The law shall allow for derogation from the provisions of paragraph (1) under the following circumstances:
a) for executing an arrest warrant or a decision of a court of law;
b) for forestalling imminent danger threatening the life, physical integrity or the property of a person;
c) for preventing the spread of an epidemic disease.
(3) Searches and questioning in a domicile may be ordered and carried out only in accordance with the rule of law.
(4) Except for cases where an obvious offense has been committed, night searches are forbidden.
Article 30. Privacy of Correspondence
The State shall ensure the privacy of letters, telegrams, other postal dispatches, of telephone conversations and of using other legal means
of communication.
Article 31. Freedom of Conscience
(1) The freedom of conscience is guaranteed, and its manifestations should be in a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect.
(2) The freedom of religious worship is guaranteed and religious bodies are free to organize themselves according to their own statutes
under the rule of law.
(3) In their mutual relationships religious cults are forbidden to use, express or incite to hatred or enmity.
(4) Religious cults are autonomous vis-a-vis the State and shall enjoy the latter's support, including that aimed at providing religious
assistance in the army, in hospitals, prisons, homes for the elderly and orphanages.
Article 32. Freedom of Opinion and Expression
(1) All citizens are guaranteed the freedom of opinion as well as the freedom of publicly expressing their thoughts and opinions by way of
word, image or any other means possible.
(2) The freedom of expression may not harm the honor, dignity or the rights of other people to have and express their own opinions or
judgments.
(3) The law shall forbid and prosecute all actions aimed at denying and slandering the State or the people. Likewise shall be forbidden
and prosecuted the instigations to sedition, war, aggression, ethnic, racial or religious hatred, the incitement to discrimination, territorial
separatism, public violence, or other actions threatening constitutional order.
Article 33. Freedom to Create
(1) The freedom to create scientific and artistic works is guaranteed. Creative work may not be submitted to censorship.
(2) The law shall protect the rights of citizens to their intellectual property, and to the material and moral interests related to various forms
of intellectual creation.
(3) The State shall support the preservation, development and propagation of national and world achievements in culture and science.
Article 34. The Right of Access to Information
(1) Having access to any information of public interest is everybody's right, that may not be curtailed.
(2) According with their established level of competence, public authorities shall ensure that citizens are correctly informed both on
public affairs and matters of personal interest.
(3) The right of access to information may not prejudice either the measures taken to protect the citizens or the national security.
(4) The State and private media are obliged to ensure that correct information reaches public opinion.
(5) The public media shall not be submitted to censorship.
Article 35. The Right of Access to Education
(1) The right of access to education is put into effect through the compulsory comprehensive public school system, lyceal (public
secondary school) and vocational education, as well as the higher education system, and other forms of instruction and training.
(2) The State will enforce under the law the right of each person to choose his/her language in which teaching will be effected.
(3) In all forms of educational institutions the study of the country's official language will be ensured.
(4) State public education is free.
(5) All educational institutions, including those that are not financed by the state, shall be established and function under the rule of law.
(6) Higher education institutions have the right to be autonomous.
(7) The access to lyceal, vocational and higher education is equally open to all and is based on personal merit.
(8) The State ensures under the law the freedom of religious education. The State ensures a lay education.
(9) The priority right of choosing an appropriate educational background for children lies with the parents.
Article 36. The Right of Health Security
(1) The right of health security is guaranteed.
(2) The State shall provide a minimum health insurance, that is free.
(3) Organic laws will establish the structure of the national health security system and the means necessary for protecting individual
physical and mental health.
Article 37. The Right to Live in a Healthy Environment
(1) Every human being has the right to live in an environment that is ecologically safe for life and health, to obtain healthy food products
and harmless household appliances.
(2) The State guarantees every citizen the right of free access to truthful information regarding the state of the natural environment, the
living and working conditions, and the quality of food products and household appliances.
(3) Non-disclosure or falsification of information regarding factors detrimental to human health constitute offenses punishable by law.
(4) Private individuals and legal entities shall be held responsible before the law for any damages they may cause to personal health and
property due to an ecological offense.
Article 38. The Right of Voting and Being Elected
(1) The foundation of State power is the will of the people made known through free elections hold at regular intervals and based on
universal, equal, direct and free suffrage.
(2) Except for the persons banned from voting by law, all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova having attained the age of 18 on or by
the voting day inclusively have the right to vote.
(3) The right of being elected is granted to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova enjoying the right of voting.
Article 39. The Right of Administering
(1) The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have the right of participating in the administration of public affairs, either directly or through
their representatives.
(2) The access to a public office or position guaranteed by law to all citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
Article 40. The Freedom of Assembly
All meetings, demonstrations, rallies, processions or any other assemblies are free, and they may be organized and take place only
peacefully and without the use of weapons.
Article 41. The Freedom of Political Association
(1) All citizens are free to associate in parties and other social and political organizations. These organizations contribute to the definition
and expression of public political will, and under the rule of law take part in the electing process.
(2) All parties and other social/political organizations are equal before the law.
(3) The State shall ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of parties and other social/political organizations.
(4) Parties and social/political organizations are declared unconstitutional if by their aims or activities they are engaged in fighting against
political pluralism, the principles of the rule of law, the sovereignty and independence or territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.
(5) Secret associations are forbidden.
(6) The activity of parties consisting of foreign nationals is forbidden.
(7) The organic law shall establish those public offices whose holders may not join political parties.
Article 42. The Right of Establishing and Joining Trades-Unions
(1) Any employee has the right to establish and join a trades-union in order to defend his/her interests.
(2) Trades-unions are founded and carry on their activities in accordance with their statutes under the law. They make their contribution
to the defense of employees professional, economic and social interests.
Article 43. The Right of Working and of Access to Work
(1) Every person has the right to freely choose his/her work, and to benefit from equitable and satisfactory working conditions, as well as
to be protected against unemployment.
(2) All employees have the right of work protection. In this respect the protective measures will bear upon work security and hygiene,
working conditions for women and young people, the introduction of minimum wages across the national economy, the weekly period of
rest, the paid holidays, difficult working conditions, as well as other specific situations.
(3) The length of the working week shall not exceed 40 hours.
(4) The right of collective bargaining is guaranteed, and so is the legal enforceability of collective agreements.
Article 44. Prohibition of Forced Labour
(1) Forced labour is prohibited.
(2) Not to be regarded as forced labour are the following:
a) military -like duty or the activities designed to replace it, carried out by those who under the law are exempted from compulsory
military service;
b) work done by a convicted person under normal conditions, in custody or on conditional release;
c) services such as required to deal with calamities or other dangers or as considered under the law to be a part of normal obligations of
civilians.
Article 45. The Right of Striking
(1) The right to strike is acknowledged. Strikes may be started only if aimed at defending the economic, social and professional interests
of employees.
(2) The law will establish the conditions requested in the exercise of this right, as well as the responsibility involved in the illegal start of
strikes.
Article 46. The Right of Private Property and Its Protection
(1) The right to possess private property and the debts incurred by the State are guaranteed.
(2) No one may be expropriated except for reasons dictated by public necessity, as established by law and against just and appropriate
compensation made in advance.
(3) No assets legally acquired may be confiscated. The effective presumption is that of legal acquirement.
(4) Goods destined for, used or resulted from crimes or offenses may be confiscated only as established by law.
(5) The right of private property carries with it the duty to observe the rules regarding the protection of the environment, the maintenance
of good neighbourly relations and the observance of all the other duties that have to be fulfilled by owners of private property under the
law.
(6) The right to inherit private property is guaranteed.
Article 47. The Right of Receiving Social Assistance and Protection
(1) The State is obliged to take action aimed at ensuring that every person has a decent standard of living, whereby good health and
welfare, based on available food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and services are secured for that person and his/her family.
(2) All citizens have the right to be insured against such adversities as unemployment, disease, disability, widowhood, old age or other
situations where, due to causes beyond one's control one loses the source or means of obtaining the necessities of life.
Article 48. Family
(1) The family is the natural and fundamental constituent of society, and as such has the right to be protected by the State and by society.
(2) The family is founded on the freely consented marriage of husband and wife, on the spouses equality of rights and on the duty of
parents to ensure their children's upbringing and education.
(3) The law shall establish under which conditions a marriage may be concluded, terminated or annulled.
(4) Children have a duty to look after their parents and help them in need.
Article 49. Protection of Family and Orphaned Children
(1) By economic and other actions the State shall support the formation and development of families, and the fulfillment of their duties.
(2) The State shall protect the motherhood, the children and the young and promote the development of the institutions required to put
that protection into effect.
(3) All efforts aimed at maintaining bringing up and educating orphaned children and those children deprived of parental care constitute the
responsibility of the State and of society. The State promotes and supports charitable activities for the benefit of these children.
Article 50. Protection of Mothers, Children and Young People
(1) Mothers and children have the right of receiving special protection and care. All children, including those born out of wedlock, shall
enjoy the benefits of the same social assistance.
(2) Children and young people enjoy a special form of assistance in the enforcement or their rights.
(3) The State shall grant the required allowances for children and the aid needed for the care of sick or disabled children. The law shall
provide for other forms of social assistance for children and the young.
(4) Both the exploitation of minors and their misuse in activities endangering their health, moral conduct, life or normal development are
forbidden.
(5) It is the duty of the public authorities to establish the conditions enabling the young people to take part freely in the social, economic,
cultural and sporting life of the country.
Article 51. Protection of Disabled Persons
(1) The disabled persons shall enjoy a special form of protection from the whole of society. The State shall ensure that normal conditions
exist for medical treatment and rehabilitation, education, training and integration of disabled persons.
(2) Except for those cases that are provided for under the law nobody may be submitted to forced medical treatment.
Article 52. Right of Petitioning
(1) All citizens have the right to apply to public authority by way of petitions formulated in behalf of the applicants.
(2) Legally established organizations may petition exclusively in behalf of the associations or bodies they represent.
Article 53. Rights of Persons Aggrieved by Public Authority.
(1) Any person, whose rights have been trespassed upon in any way by public authority through an administrative ruling or lack of timely
legal reply to an application, is entitled to obtain acknowledgment of those rights, the cancellation of the ruling and payment of damages.
(2) The State is under patrimonial liability as foreseen by the law for any prejudice or injury caused in lawsuits through errors of police or
the judiciary
Article 54. Restricting the Exercise of Certain Rights or Freedoms
(1) The exercise of certain rights or freedoms may be restricted only under the law and only as required in cases like: the defense of
national security, of public order, health or morals, of citizens rights and freedoms, the carrying of the investigations in criminal cases,
preventing the consequences of a natural calamity or of a technological disaster.
(2) The restrictions enforced must be in proportion to the situation that caused it, and may not affect the existence of that right or liberty.
CHAPTER III - FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
Article 55. Exercise of Rights and Freedoms as Part of An Integrated System.
(1) Every citizen has to perform certain duties towards State and society, and these duties are such as derive directly from the rights and
freedoms that are guaranteed to him/her.
(2) Respect is due to all legitimate rights and interests and to the dignity of other citizens.
Article 56. Allegiance to the Country
(1) Allegiance and loyalty to the country are sacred.
(2) Citizens entrusted with the holding of public office, as well as the military, are under the responsibility to fulfil faithfully their duties
towards the state, and in given situations shall also take the oath as requested by law.
Article 57. Defense of Motherland
(1) It is the right and the sacred duty of every citizen to defend one's motherland.
(2) The national armed forces constitute the framework for performing military service, for national defense, guarding the borders, and
maintaining public order under the law.
Article 58. Financial Contributions
(1) All citizens are under obligation to contribute by way of taxes and financial impositions to public expenditure.
(2) The system of legal taxation must ensure a just distribution of fiscal burdens over the population.
(3) All taxation other than that established by law is forbidden.
Article 59. Protection of Environment and Public Monuments
It is the duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment, and to preserve and protect the country's historical and cultural sites and
monuments.
The territory of Moldova has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years though the
first known was the Indo-European invasion beginning around 2000 BCE starting with the
Persian tribes such as the Cimmerians and Scythians who later became known as
Thracians. Greeks settled in the 7th century BCE followed by the Romans who conquered
and united the entire region in the 1st Century CE giving rise to the Dacian culture. Goths,
Huns, Avars, Bulgarians and Slavs, Magyars, Pechenegs, Cumans and Mongols invaded
between the 3rd and 11th centuries. In 1343, the region was absorbed into the Principality of
Moldavia. Turks invaded in 1484 absorbing the region into the Ottoman Empire. Russia
invaded five times during the 18th century and was formally ceded to the Russian Empire on
28 May 1812 and named Bessarabia. Following the Russian Revolution the region obtained
independence as the Republic of Moldova on 24 January 1918. On 9 April 1918 it became a
Union with Romania, became a Soviet Socials Republic on 2 August 1940, occupied by
Germany in World War II, reintegrated into the Soviet Union in 1944 and regained its
independence on 27 August 1991. In August 1990 the southern region of Gagauz declared
an independence that has not been recognized by Moldova. The present constitution was
adopted on 29 July 1994. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Title II (Fundamental
Rights, Freedoms and Duties) conforms with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human
Rights of which Moldova is a signatory and are detailed below. For a full English translation
of Moldova's Constitution, click here.
Though not internationally recognized, Transnistria adopted a constitution by national
referendum on 24 December 1995. It has been amended many times. In 2009, the president
appointed a commission to draft a new constitution however attempts to forward the
referendum failed in parliament in 2011. Instead , new amendments were drafted and
approved. Human rights are enumerated in SECTION II (RIGHTS, FREEDOMS,
RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEES OF PERSON AND CITIZEN) and are detailed below
the Moldovan rights. For a full English translation of the 2000 version of the Transnistrian
Constitution, click here.
first known was the Indo-European invasion beginning around 2000 BCE starting with the
Persian tribes such as the Cimmerians and Scythians who later became known as
Thracians. Greeks settled in the 7th century BCE followed by the Romans who conquered
and united the entire region in the 1st Century CE giving rise to the Dacian culture. Goths,
Huns, Avars, Bulgarians and Slavs, Magyars, Pechenegs, Cumans and Mongols invaded
between the 3rd and 11th centuries. In 1343, the region was absorbed into the Principality of
Moldavia. Turks invaded in 1484 absorbing the region into the Ottoman Empire. Russia
invaded five times during the 18th century and was formally ceded to the Russian Empire on
28 May 1812 and named Bessarabia. Following the Russian Revolution the region obtained
independence as the Republic of Moldova on 24 January 1918. On 9 April 1918 it became a
Union with Romania, became a Soviet Socials Republic on 2 August 1940, occupied by
Germany in World War II, reintegrated into the Soviet Union in 1944 and regained its
independence on 27 August 1991. In August 1990 the southern region of Gagauz declared
an independence that has not been recognized by Moldova. The present constitution was
adopted on 29 July 1994. Human rights are enumerated beginning with Title II (Fundamental
Rights, Freedoms and Duties) conforms with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human
Rights of which Moldova is a signatory and are detailed below. For a full English translation
of Moldova's Constitution, click here.
Though not internationally recognized, Transnistria adopted a constitution by national
referendum on 24 December 1995. It has been amended many times. In 2009, the president
appointed a commission to draft a new constitution however attempts to forward the
referendum failed in parliament in 2011. Instead , new amendments were drafted and
approved. Human rights are enumerated in SECTION II (RIGHTS, FREEDOMS,
RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEES OF PERSON AND CITIZEN) and are detailed below
the Moldovan rights. For a full English translation of the 2000 version of the Transnistrian
Constitution, click here.
CONSTITUTION OF THE PRIDNESTROVSKAIA MOLDAVSKAIA RESPUBLICA
SECTION II. RIGHTS, FREEDOMS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEES OF PERSON AND CITIZEN
Article 16
Person, his rights and freedoms are of supreme value to the society and the state. Responsibility of the state is to protect rights and
freedoms of person and citizen.
Basic human rights and freedoms are inalienable and belong to everybody from birth.
Article 17
Everybody has equal rights and freedoms and is equal before law without distinction as to sex, race, nationality, language, religion,
social origin, views, personal and social status.
Benefits and privileges can be established only by law and should be consistent with the principles of social justice.
Article 18
Restriction of rights and freedoms of person and citizen is allowed only in cases envisioned by law, in the interest of national
security, public order, protection of morality, of people's health, rights and freedoms of other individuals.
No one can enjoy benefits and privileges inconsistent with law.
Article 19
Everybody has the right to life. The state protects the right to life of person from any infringement.
Capital punishment, until it is abolished, can be applied according to law as an exceptional punishment for committing grave crimes
against life and only according to the sentence passed.
Article 20
Everybody has the right to liberty and security of person. No one can be arrested or detained otherwise than provided by law.
A detainee has the right to judicial review of lawfulness of his detention or arrest.
Article 21
No one can be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, as well as be object of medical or other
experiments without his own consent.
Article 22
A person accused in committing a crime is innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the established by law procedure and the
sentence of guilty passed and come into legal force. An accused is not bound to prove his innocence.
Article 23
No one must testify against himself, his spouse, close relations, whose circle is determined by law.
Evidence obtained with violation of law does not have any legal force.
Article 24
Everyone has the right to protection of his good name, protection against infringement on his honour and dignity, against interference
with his private life; as well as has the right to personal and family secret, and to inviolability of the home.
No one has the right of visit and search of the house, to violate the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations
otherwise than in cases and in order stipulated by law.
Article 25
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to freedom of movement and residence within the republic, to
leave it and to come back unimpededly.
Article 26
Maternity and childhood, family are under the protection of the state.
Care for children and their upbringing are an equal right and duty for parents.
Able to work children, who have reached the age of 18, must take care of their disabled parents.
Article 27
Everyone has the right on the freedom of thought, speech and opinion. Everyone has the right in any legal way to seek, receive and
spread any information, except for the one directed against existing constitutional system, or being State secret. List of information being
State secret is determined by law.
Everybody is ensured the freedom of opinion and expression.
Article 28
The media is not subjected to censorship.
Article 29
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica are ensured the right to get, keep and spread full, reliable and timely
information concerning activity of state organs, of public associations, concerning political, economic, and international life, the state of
environment.
Organs of state power and management, institutions of local self-government, and their officials must provide a citizen of the
Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica with the possibility to get acquainted with documents and materials concerning his rights and
legitimate interests, unless otherwise provided by law.
Article 30
Freedom of conscience is ensured to everybody.
Everybody has the right to profess any religion or not to profess any. Any forced implanting religious views is inadmissible.
Article 31
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to participate in running public and state affairs both directly
and through their representatives. This participation is carried out through the local self-government, holding referenda, and democratic
formation of state organs.
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica can freely elect and be elected into state organs on the basis of universal,
equal and direct suffrage by the secret ballot.
Article 32
The state ensures the freedom of assembly, rallies, street processions, demonstrations and pickets, which do not violate law and
order, as well as rights, of other citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica. The order of holding the abovementioned
activities is determined by law.
Article 33
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to join in trade unions, political parties and other associations,
to participate in mass movements not prohibited by law.
Article 34
Judges, prosecutor's office personnel, personnel of organs of interior affairs, of the committee of state control, of security organs,
as well as servicemen cannot be members of political parties and other public associations set to achieve political goals.
Article 35
Labour is free. Everybody has the right to freely use his abilities to work, to choose the kind of his labour activity and occupation.
Forced labour is prohibited.
Everybody has the right to work in the conditions meeting the requirements of security and hygiene, to be rewarded for labour
without any discrimination and no less than the established by law minimum level of salary; as well as the right to protection against
unemployment.
The right is recognized to individual and collective labour disputes with the use of established by law ways of their resolution,
including the right to strike.
Everybody has the right to rest.
An employee is ensured the length of working time, holidays and red-letter days, paid annual leave, established by law.
Article 36
Everyone has the right to freely use his abilities and property for business and another, not prohibited by law, economic activity.
Article 37
The state ensures the right of property to everyone.
The owner, at his own discretion, possesses, enjoys and disposes the property belonging to him.
No one can be deprived of his property otherwise than under a court's decision.
Exercising the right of property should not damage the environment, historic and cultural values, infringe upon rights and protected
by law interests of other individuals or the state. The right of succession is ensured.
Article 38
Everyone has the right to social security in his old age, in case of disability, as well as in case of loss of bread-winner, and in other
cases determined by law.
Pensions, benefits and other types of social assistance cannot be less than a level officially determined by the state.
Article 39
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica are ensured the right to health protection, including free medical service and
treatment in state public health institutions.
Article 40
Everybody has the right to secure for life and health environment and to compensation of the harm caused by violation of this right.
Article 41
Everybody has the right to education.
Citizens are ensured free general secondary education and free high professional education in state educational institutions.
Everybody has the right, on a competitive basis according to his abilities, to get free higher education in state educational institutions.
General secondary education is compulsory.
The Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica establishes state educational standards, supports different forms of education and
self-education.
Article 42
Every citizen of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica has the right to housing. No one can be arbitrary deprived of housing.
Organs of state power encourage house-building, create conditions for exercising the right to housing.
Poor people and other mentioned in the law citizens, who are in need of housing, are provided with it free of charge or for reasonable
pay from state or other housing funds according to norms provided by law.
Article 43
Everybody has the right to maintain his ethnicity, as well as nobody can be forced to name and indicate his ethnicity.
Insult of national dignity should be punished as provided by law.
Everybody has the right to use his mother tongue and to choose a language of communication.
Article 44
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to freedom of artistic, scientific and technical creative work.
Intellectual property is protected by law.
The state takes care of cultural, scientific, and technical development of society.
Article 45
The state ensures rights and freedoms of citizens laid down in the Constitution. The list of rights and freedoms, given in the
Constitution, should not be interpreted as negation or derogation of other universally recognized rights and freedoms.
Article 46
Everybody is ensured judicial defense of his rights and freedoms, as well as the right to appeal to the court against illegal decisions
and actions of state organs, officials, and public associations.
Article 47
Exercising rights and freedoms is inseparable from fulfillment by citizen and person his duties before society and the state.
Article 48
Defense of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica is a sacred duty for everybody. Law establishes universal military service.
Article 49
Everybody must observe the Constitution and laws, as well as respect rights, freedoms, honour and dignity of other people.
Article 50
Everybody must take care of the environment.
Article 51
Everybody must protect cultural and spiritual heritage of the people of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica.
Article 52
Everybody must pay taxes and local duties determined by law.
SECTION II. RIGHTS, FREEDOMS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEES OF PERSON AND CITIZEN
Article 16
Person, his rights and freedoms are of supreme value to the society and the state. Responsibility of the state is to protect rights and
freedoms of person and citizen.
Basic human rights and freedoms are inalienable and belong to everybody from birth.
Article 17
Everybody has equal rights and freedoms and is equal before law without distinction as to sex, race, nationality, language, religion,
social origin, views, personal and social status.
Benefits and privileges can be established only by law and should be consistent with the principles of social justice.
Article 18
Restriction of rights and freedoms of person and citizen is allowed only in cases envisioned by law, in the interest of national
security, public order, protection of morality, of people's health, rights and freedoms of other individuals.
No one can enjoy benefits and privileges inconsistent with law.
Article 19
Everybody has the right to life. The state protects the right to life of person from any infringement.
Capital punishment, until it is abolished, can be applied according to law as an exceptional punishment for committing grave crimes
against life and only according to the sentence passed.
Article 20
Everybody has the right to liberty and security of person. No one can be arrested or detained otherwise than provided by law.
A detainee has the right to judicial review of lawfulness of his detention or arrest.
Article 21
No one can be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, as well as be object of medical or other
experiments without his own consent.
Article 22
A person accused in committing a crime is innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the established by law procedure and the
sentence of guilty passed and come into legal force. An accused is not bound to prove his innocence.
Article 23
No one must testify against himself, his spouse, close relations, whose circle is determined by law.
Evidence obtained with violation of law does not have any legal force.
Article 24
Everyone has the right to protection of his good name, protection against infringement on his honour and dignity, against interference
with his private life; as well as has the right to personal and family secret, and to inviolability of the home.
No one has the right of visit and search of the house, to violate the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations
otherwise than in cases and in order stipulated by law.
Article 25
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to freedom of movement and residence within the republic, to
leave it and to come back unimpededly.
Article 26
Maternity and childhood, family are under the protection of the state.
Care for children and their upbringing are an equal right and duty for parents.
Able to work children, who have reached the age of 18, must take care of their disabled parents.
Article 27
Everyone has the right on the freedom of thought, speech and opinion. Everyone has the right in any legal way to seek, receive and
spread any information, except for the one directed against existing constitutional system, or being State secret. List of information being
State secret is determined by law.
Everybody is ensured the freedom of opinion and expression.
Article 28
The media is not subjected to censorship.
Article 29
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica are ensured the right to get, keep and spread full, reliable and timely
information concerning activity of state organs, of public associations, concerning political, economic, and international life, the state of
environment.
Organs of state power and management, institutions of local self-government, and their officials must provide a citizen of the
Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica with the possibility to get acquainted with documents and materials concerning his rights and
legitimate interests, unless otherwise provided by law.
Article 30
Freedom of conscience is ensured to everybody.
Everybody has the right to profess any religion or not to profess any. Any forced implanting religious views is inadmissible.
Article 31
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to participate in running public and state affairs both directly
and through their representatives. This participation is carried out through the local self-government, holding referenda, and democratic
formation of state organs.
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica can freely elect and be elected into state organs on the basis of universal,
equal and direct suffrage by the secret ballot.
Article 32
The state ensures the freedom of assembly, rallies, street processions, demonstrations and pickets, which do not violate law and
order, as well as rights, of other citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica. The order of holding the abovementioned
activities is determined by law.
Article 33
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to join in trade unions, political parties and other associations,
to participate in mass movements not prohibited by law.
Article 34
Judges, prosecutor's office personnel, personnel of organs of interior affairs, of the committee of state control, of security organs,
as well as servicemen cannot be members of political parties and other public associations set to achieve political goals.
Article 35
Labour is free. Everybody has the right to freely use his abilities to work, to choose the kind of his labour activity and occupation.
Forced labour is prohibited.
Everybody has the right to work in the conditions meeting the requirements of security and hygiene, to be rewarded for labour
without any discrimination and no less than the established by law minimum level of salary; as well as the right to protection against
unemployment.
The right is recognized to individual and collective labour disputes with the use of established by law ways of their resolution,
including the right to strike.
Everybody has the right to rest.
An employee is ensured the length of working time, holidays and red-letter days, paid annual leave, established by law.
Article 36
Everyone has the right to freely use his abilities and property for business and another, not prohibited by law, economic activity.
Article 37
The state ensures the right of property to everyone.
The owner, at his own discretion, possesses, enjoys and disposes the property belonging to him.
No one can be deprived of his property otherwise than under a court's decision.
Exercising the right of property should not damage the environment, historic and cultural values, infringe upon rights and protected
by law interests of other individuals or the state. The right of succession is ensured.
Article 38
Everyone has the right to social security in his old age, in case of disability, as well as in case of loss of bread-winner, and in other
cases determined by law.
Pensions, benefits and other types of social assistance cannot be less than a level officially determined by the state.
Article 39
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica are ensured the right to health protection, including free medical service and
treatment in state public health institutions.
Article 40
Everybody has the right to secure for life and health environment and to compensation of the harm caused by violation of this right.
Article 41
Everybody has the right to education.
Citizens are ensured free general secondary education and free high professional education in state educational institutions.
Everybody has the right, on a competitive basis according to his abilities, to get free higher education in state educational institutions.
General secondary education is compulsory.
The Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica establishes state educational standards, supports different forms of education and
self-education.
Article 42
Every citizen of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica has the right to housing. No one can be arbitrary deprived of housing.
Organs of state power encourage house-building, create conditions for exercising the right to housing.
Poor people and other mentioned in the law citizens, who are in need of housing, are provided with it free of charge or for reasonable
pay from state or other housing funds according to norms provided by law.
Article 43
Everybody has the right to maintain his ethnicity, as well as nobody can be forced to name and indicate his ethnicity.
Insult of national dignity should be punished as provided by law.
Everybody has the right to use his mother tongue and to choose a language of communication.
Article 44
Citizens of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica have the right to freedom of artistic, scientific and technical creative work.
Intellectual property is protected by law.
The state takes care of cultural, scientific, and technical development of society.
Article 45
The state ensures rights and freedoms of citizens laid down in the Constitution. The list of rights and freedoms, given in the
Constitution, should not be interpreted as negation or derogation of other universally recognized rights and freedoms.
Article 46
Everybody is ensured judicial defense of his rights and freedoms, as well as the right to appeal to the court against illegal decisions
and actions of state organs, officials, and public associations.
Article 47
Exercising rights and freedoms is inseparable from fulfillment by citizen and person his duties before society and the state.
Article 48
Defense of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica is a sacred duty for everybody. Law establishes universal military service.
Article 49
Everybody must observe the Constitution and laws, as well as respect rights, freedoms, honour and dignity of other people.
Article 50
Everybody must take care of the environment.
Article 51
Everybody must protect cultural and spiritual heritage of the people of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica.
Article 52
Everybody must pay taxes and local duties determined by law.