UNFPA transferred 10 vehicles to the newly launched Territorial Agencies for Social Assistance (ATAS) under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. This initiative, supported by UNFPA with the financial backing of the UK Government, contributes to the significant milestone in strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) services in the Republic of Moldova within the framework of the RESTART Reform.
"The Territorial Agencies, established to implement state policy in social assistance, will provide methodological support to local public administration authorities and social service providers. Their mandate includes the crucial role of preventing and responding to gender-based violence", said Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection. "Enhanced protection for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence is a priority of mine as Minister. I thank all the partners who support us in improving the services provided to the population".
"UNFPA takes pride in supporting the government's RESTART reform, which aims to rethink the way services reach the most vulnerable groups, including women and girls experiencing violence, both within local and refugee communities", said Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative. "We welcome the introduction of the dedicated gender-based violence specialists within the teams of the Territorial Agencies. This means that these specialists will be right where they are needed most, ensuring that women and girls receive the dignified and safe care they deserve".
The establishment of 10 Territorial Agencies for Social Assistance under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection will bring GBV services closer to women and girls. The agencies are regionally organized, strategically covering all rayons of the country, including the center, center-east, center-west, north, northeast, north-northwest, northwest, south, southeast, and southwest. Each agency will be responsible for 3-4 administrative-territorial units of the second level. Notably, ATAS north-northwest will focus solely on the municipality of Bălţi.
"I congratulate everyone on the consistency and firm commitment that you have demonstrated over time in the fight against violence against women and girls. This struggle is not an easy one. I am very pleased that we have not stopped working on the National Programme for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, for which we have worked very productively with our colleagues at UNFPA. We appreciate the continuous support you provide. These means of transport will help us to be closer and reach women who need help more quickly. Our message remains clear and unwavering: no excuse for violence against women and girls, whether at home, work, in public, or online. In the last two years, we have made progress in this area, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, which allows us to move forward and make serious progress. We will continue to do our utmost and rely on the support of our partners. Stay with us, as we will be able to win this battle too. I have full confidence", said Doina Gherman, Deputy in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Head of Parliamentary Commission on foreign policy and EU integration.
"As we are coming together just a week after the close of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, it is fresh in all of our minds how important it is to have quality Gender Based Violence services and outreach as part of social protection systems. UNFPA has a great deal of experience in this area, and the UK is proud to support to prevent and combat gender based and domestic violence incidents, in line with Moldova’s commitments to the Istanbul Convention. Today we can celebrate one of the many ways in which Moldova is putting that commitment into action. We know this will make a tangible difference both to Social Assistants and the communities they work with across Moldova", said Edward Inglett, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in the Republic of Moldova.
It is essential to note that UNFPA has supported the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MoLSP) in developing the National Program for Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Girls and Domestic Violence 2023-2027 (NP on EVAW). This program aligns with the Republic of Moldova's commitments to the Istanbul Convention, ratified in May 2022, focusing on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women, including refugees. The approved program, effective from May 31, 2023, outlines objectives and actions to address violence in the Republic of Moldova comprehensively.
