New measures for child-friendly justice

The Justice Ministry and UNICEF have signed the Cooperation Plan for 2026–2027, which provides for new actions to strengthen a justice system adapted to children’s needs and protect their rights. The document was signed during first meeting between Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari and new UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova Deyana Kostadinova.

The plan sets out priorities for the next two years and includes measures related to the specialization of justice system professionals, strengthening cooperation among institutions in the fields of justice, social protection and health, as well as law enforcement bodies.

Special attention will be given to children who are victims or witnesses of crimes. The authorities and UNICEF aim to develop services for these children and expand alternatives to detention for children in conflict with the law.

At the same time, the cooperation will focus on developing Barnahus services, strengthening probation and restorative justice, as well as child reintegration programs.

Cojuhari emphasized that in the next stage, greater focus must be placed on preventing situations in which children become victims of violence or come into conflict with the law.


“We appreciate UNICEF’s continued support and what we have managed to build together so far. Going forward, we aim to focus our efforts more on prevention, so that we can intervene before a child becomes a victim of violence or comes into conflict with the law. This requires education, accessible services and real alternatives for children. It is important that available resources be used where they can have a concrete impact,” he said.


For her part, Deyana Kostadinova highlighted the need to ensure that the services and solutions developed in recent years are accessible to the children who need support the most.


“The Republic of Moldova already has good practices in the field of juvenile justice, and the next step is to ensure that the services and solutions developed reach the children who need them most. Through the efforts of recent years, as well as through the Plan we signed today, we aim to turn our shared priorities into concrete results for children, focusing on prevention, services tailored to their needs and alternatives that protect their rights and future prospects. UNICEF will continue to support the Ministry of Justice with expertise and international experience, so that the best interests of the child remain at the center of the justice system,” said Kostadinova.


The Cooperation Plan will be implemented by late 2027 and is part of the collaboration between the Justice Ministry and UNICEF to strengthen child-friendly justice, protect children’s rights and develop services tailored to their needs.