In recent years Moldova has embarked on an important path of justice reform. Increasing citizens trust in democratic institutions is a priority action to ensure the country stability. In the framework of the “Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme for the Republic of Moldova” funded by the European Union, a consortium of EU and Moldovan NGO has started the project “Enhancing access to justice of vulnerable groups”.

The action is aimed at increasing the role of civil society in expanding access to justice by the most vulnerable groups and supporting the reform process in the country for a more equitable and non-discriminatory justice system. The project intervenes in various areas of rights protection: protection and promotion of human rights, legal assistance, psychosocial support; protection of refugees, protection of minorities, support for women victims of violence and their families.

The project will contribute to the development and consolidation of the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova with full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The project is implemented in the Northern, Central, Southern Region and in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (ATU) of Gagauzia.

The specific objective of the action is strengthening civil society capacity to enhance the access to justice of vulnerable groups and to promote a nondiscriminatory, fair and inclusive judiciary, which is considered a precondition for the creation of an accountable, inclusive and fair Moldova’s judicial system.

Target groups: 40 lawyers and legal workers, 20 judges and judicial staff, 200 students of law faculties, 30 public officials working in key institutions, 20 human rights defenders, 20 community leaders, 40 social workers, 40 cultural mediators and educators, 40 representatives and volunteers of CSOs and grassroots organisations, 20 media operators.
Final beneficiaries: vulnerable groups living in Northern, Central, Southern Region and in Gagauzia estimated in 6,000 persons; 100,000 citizens indirectly reached by the raising awareness activities promoted by the Moldova CSOs empowered by the action.