PRESS RELEASE
Data: 27.07.2023
The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) presents the results of a survey showing the perception of Romanian citizens on which of their rights are most frequently violated by the Romanian state and the extent to which they have been subjected to abuses. The survey is part of a study entitled "Citizens' rights in Romania". FACIAS provides citizens with a best practice guide to raise awareness and avoid possible abuses.
The survey results show a stark reality: 94% of citizens say they have been abused by a state institution. Some very rarely (1-3 abuses) - 31.9%, some rarely (4-6 abuses) - 24.7%, quite often (7-10 abuses) - 22.3%, and 15.1% of respondents said they were abused very often by state institutions, more than 11 times each. Also, 80% of respondents identified "standard of living" as the most frequently violated citizen right by the Romanian state. Other citizenship rights perceived as frequently violated include "the right to health protection" (73%), "the right of a person injured by a public authority" (70%) and "access to justice" (50%). In contrast, "the right to vote" received the fewest responses, with only 8% of respondents identifying it as being violated. At the same time, the survey found that the 50+ age group is the one that considers itself most aware of its rights in relation to public institutions. At the other end of the spectrum, citizens aged 20-39 say they are less aware of their rights than young people under 20.
The FACIAS survey results underline the importance of understanding and addressing citizens' perceptions of abuse. These perceptions give us a clear picture of where we need to focus our efforts to improve respect for citizens' rights.
FACIAS guide to protecting citizens' rights
In the light of these results, FACIAS has published a comprehensive study that serves as an essential guide for Romanians, and provides the necessary tools to correctly identify rights, prevent abuse. In the same report, FACIAS shows what measures should be taken when citizens' fundamental rights are violated. The guide covers a wide range of topics, from citizens' rights to non-compliance and procedures in case of abuse.
The study "Citizens' rights in Romania" and the results of the survey can be found at www.facias.ro.
The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has been seeking since 2008 to ensure transparency in the functioning of state institutions as a principle of democracy and the rule of law and defends the rights of Romanian citizens.
We are monitoring the work of state institutions and informing the public about it, in order to raise citizens' awareness of their rights and the possibility for them to take part in the activities of public institutions, directly or through non-governmental organisations.
FACIAS PRESS OFFICE