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 Working together for justice that serves people

Working together for justice that serves people

Natalia Voutova, the newly appointed Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău, held a courtesy meeting with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the close cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Republic of Moldova, with a particular focus on justice reform, human rights, and fight against corruption.

The discussions also covered the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028, which provides a framework for supporting the country’s reform priorities and strengthening democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.

An independent, effective and accountable justice system remains essential for protecting people’s rights and building public trust in institutions. Through expertise, dialogue and institutional cooperation, the Council of Europe will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in advancing reforms in line with European standards.

Justice reform is not only an institutional objective. It is a commitment to people - to their right to fairness, protection and trust in public institutions.

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova 23 September 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.