What is the project?

The project objective is to deliver justice that is better aligned with European standards in the field of discrimination  in the Republic of Moldovain the Republic of Moldova.

It is a project co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe in the framework of the Partnership for Good Governance Programme - phase II (2019-2021).

 What is the legal context?

The Republic of Moldova ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (Lanzarote Convention) in 2011. The Committee of the Parties to the Convention, also known as the Lanzarote Committee, is charged with monitoring the implementation of the Convention. The Republic of Moldova participated in the 1st monitoring round dedicated to the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in the circle of trust (2014-2017) and in the 2nd one on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse facilitated by information and communication technologies (2017).

Other important standards taken into consideration during the project implementation include the Council of Europe Guidelines on child-friendly justice (2010) and the Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on Guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment.

The project itself promotes the implementation of these international standards and builds on the progress and work already carried out at national level. Relevant national standards and policies include the Law no. 338 of 15.12.1994 on the rights of the child, Decision No. 434 of 10.06.2014 on the approval of the Child Protection Strategy for the years 2014-2020, Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2017-2020, as well as the conclusions and recommendations of the Roundtable “Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse: Challenges and Best Practices”.

 News

Back Supporting the integration of migrants and refugees through Romanian Language learning in the Republic of Moldova

Supporting the integration of migrants and refugees through Romanian Language learning in the Republic of Moldova

Talking to a doctor, looking for work or building relationships with people in the local community can be challenging without a shared language. For adult migrants and refugees in the Republic of Moldova, learning Romanian can help make these everyday interactions easier.

The National Curriculum for the Romanian Language for Adult Migrants and Refugees aims to make language learning more accessible and relevant to adults’ everyday needs. Approved by the National Curriculum Council and publicly presented in Chișinău, it covers proficiency levels A1 to B2, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For Abdurashid Saidov, a beneficiary of temporary protection originally from Tajikistan, learning Romanian is a step towards communicating more confidently in his new surroundings. Having completed the A1 course, he hopes to continue learning.

“I have been living here in the Republic of Moldova for almost five years, and I decided to learn Romanian. We have already completed the A1 course, and we are hoping to start the A2 programme very soon,” he said.

The Curriculum focuses on real-life communication situations that are relevant to everyday life, from interacting with public institutions to accessing healthcare and integrating into the labour market. It also provides a common methodological framework for developing Romanian language courses and learning materials suited to adults with different educational and professional backgrounds.

“Language teaching is oriented towards real life. That means the focus is first on what people can do with the language, starting from the beginning. In lessons, students meet and practise situations and tasks they face in life outside the classroom,” explained Fernanda Minuz, lead international consultant and coordinator of the Working Group involved in developing the Curriculum.

By placing learners’ needs at the centre, the curriculum reflects a broader commitment to inclusion in the Republic of Moldova. “This Curriculum draws on the Council of Europe’s expertise and European standards in linguistic integration,” said Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău. “It will support adult migrants and refugees in developing the language skills they need to participate in society, access essential services, education and employment, and exercise their rights, contributing to lasting integration and social cohesion.”

The Curriculum was developed at the request of the Ministry of Education and Research and the General Inspectorate for Migration, in close cooperation with representatives of public institutions, language education professionals and civil society organisations. This collaborative process helped ensure that the Curriculum reflects the national context of the Republic of Moldova and the needs of adult learners.

The next step is to put the Curriculum into practice through Romanian language courses for adult migrants and refugees.

The initiative was organised under the project “Strengthening the human rights protection of refugees and migrants in the Republic of Moldova: phase II”, funded and implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025–2028).

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova 1 october 2026
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page

 Who we work with?

Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, Ministry of Justice, Public Prosecution Service, National Institute of Justice, Police Academy, Supreme Court of Justice, Lawyers Union, Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights, National Council for the Protection of Child's Rights, NGOs, acclaimed experts in the field.

 Who benefits from the project?

The project targets judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police officers, staff members of the People’s Advocate Office, National Preventive Mechanism members and other criminal justice actors. The end beneficiaries are the users of the justice system, parties to criminal proceedings.