The Minister of Internal Affairs recently met with the UNICEF Moldova Country Representative to discuss creating a safer environment for children, combating sexual abuse and exploitation, protecting children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable minors.
To support Moldova's European integration efforts, UNICEF proposed expanding the Joint Action Plan with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which includes measures for preventing abuse, assisting child victims, and addressing the needs of minors in conflict with the law.
Discussions also focused on unaccompanied minors and at-risk children entering Moldova. The Minister highlighted the success of the multidisciplinary approach implemented for this vulnerable group since 2022 and expressed openness to legislative updates to ensure the mechanism’s sustainability.
The parties reviewed the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention (Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse). UNICEF acknowledged progress, including the adoption of a comprehensive Set of Measures to implement the Lanzarote Committee’s recommendations.
The UNICEF Country Representative reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Moldova, particularly as the country prepares to assume the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 2025 to May 2026.