The agenda of the meeting included the following topics:
– Presentation of the results of the comprehensive analysis regarding the degree of implementation of the provisions of Law No. 137/2016 on the rehabilitation of victims of crimes;
– Planning of actions for 2024 under the Program for the Creation and Development of the NRMVC;
– Progress on the implementation of actions from the National Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union for the years 2024-2027 in the field of protecting the rights of victims of crimes;
– Strengthening cooperation with non-governmental organizations and development partners.
The meeting was opened by State Secretary Felicia Bechtoldt, who emphasized the importance of implementing the NRMVC for the protection of crime victims in our country:
“The National Referral Program for the Protection and Assistance of Victims of Crimes for the years 2022-2026 aims to address the existing issues in realizing the rights of crime victims, taking into account their needs and the changes occurring in society. Providing adequate protection and assistance to these individuals is an essential aspect of the proper functioning of our legal system. Victims of crimes are not just numbers or statistics in a police report; they are human beings who have suffered trauma, have been profoundly affected, and need our support and empathy.”
The State Secretary also mentioned that within the newly established Territorial Social Assistance Agencies (TSAA) resulting from the implementation of the RESTART reform, the position of a specialist in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence and rehabilitating victims of crimes has been created, which will contribute to reducing domestic violence and improving the quality of assistance for crime victims. Currently, about 30 such specialists are employed in the TSAA and STAA.
Participants were engaged in active discussions regarding the implementation challenges related to the discussed topics, focusing on proposed solutions to overcome these challenges.
Furthermore, institutional and organizational strategic directions impacting the guarantee of victims' rights were voiced.
The meeting of the Coordinating Council on March 22 was attended by 48 people from public authorities/institutions, non-governmental organizations, and development partners. The meeting was organized with logistical support from the International Organization for Migration.
The Coordinating Council is an intersectoral consultative body whose activities focus on developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies in the field of rehabilitating victims of crimes. Regular meetings of the Council are convened at the initiative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
