Moldova Enhanced protection for child victims and witnesses

October 27, 2010

Comment: Info Prim Neo reports that on 14th of October 2010 the Moldovan Ministry of Justice and the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention signed a cooperation agreement on the protection of children victims or witnesses of violence. A similar agreement has been recently concluded (on 27th of October 2010) with the General Prosecutor’s Office, Info Prim Neo writes. The document under discussion frames the cooperation between state institutions and the non-governmental sector in order to ensure better promotion and respect of child’s interests in the legal system. According to the news, the agreement foresees the elaboration of the new procedures for questioning children during the investigation process, as well as the fitting out safe and friendly milieus.

The news also highlighted the position of the Center’s head Daniala Samboteanu urging towards offering multidisciplinary assistance to the children and awareness raising of the specialists on the need to draw up the special treatment towards children in Moldovan justice system. According to the both parties, the above mentioned agreement furthers the continuity in promoting procedures aimed at giving maximum protection to children involved in criminal cases.

In conclusion, the official statistics show us that annually in the Republic of Moldova there are between 120 and 130 children who suffer because of violence, which has serious physical and psychological repercussions for them. In 2010, the law enforcement bodies have examined 40 cases where the children were victims or witnesses of violence.

Author of the comments: Nellea Motriuc, Communication & Information Officer, Terre des hommes Delegation in Moldova.