The approval of the Municipal Strategy for Child Rights Protection 2020-2025 is part of the overall context of reforming the child protection system in the Republic of Moldova, as well as aligning it with European and international standards and commitments.
The aim of the policy document is to create a friendly and inclusive environment capable of ensuring, respecting, and protecting the rights of every child in the municipality of Chișinău.
The strategy adopts an intersectoral approach to implementation, involving multiple subdivisions of the Chișinău Local Public Administration.
The beneficiaries of the Strategy are all children, regardless of their family's financial situation, place of residence, ethnic background, spoken language, gender, age, political or religious affiliation, health status, learning and developmental characteristics, antisocial behaviors, or criminal records, from the municipality of Chișinău, with a focus on children and families at risk, as well as special attention to children with disabilities and children with special educational needs.
The Child Rights Protection Strategy was approved by the Chișinău Municipal Council in July 2020 and sets the objectives and priority areas of activity and intervention in the respective field. The document was developed by the General Directorate for Child Rights Protection, with technical assistance from UNICEF Moldova.
The key principles outlined in the document include:
- Non-discrimination;
- Zero tolerance for any form of violence against children;
- Children are the number one priority;
- Upholding the best interests of the child;
- Providing opportunities for participation for every child.
On December 28, 2021, the Action Plan for implementing the Strategy was approved. The Plan was developed with technical assistance provided by UNICEF Moldova.