A new US-funded project in Moldova: $6 million for the implementation of the justice reform and anti-corruption project
The United States Agency for International Development is providing the Republic of Moldova with six million dollars to implement the Justice Reform and Anti-Corruption Project. The project involves standards of excellence for anti-corruption institutions, support for the Ministry of Justice in reforms already underway, and the creation of a mini secretariat. This continues the partnership with the Government in Chisinau to create resilient institutions that apply the law fairly and justly.
USAID's Deputy Administrator for the Europe and Eurasia Office, Erin McKe says the new project is expected to strengthen efforts to eradicate corruption through strengthened national authorities and a stronger civil society.
"A mini secretariat will be created under this project to monitor the implementation of the justice development strategy in Moldova. Our new program will provide capacity-building activities for those in the judiciary, we will also provide assistance to newly formed judicial administration bodies, and will continue to strengthen civil society oversight efforts," said Erin Mcke, USAID Europe and Asia desk officer.
US Ambassador to Moldova Kent D. Logsdon says the United States will continue to support Moldova in the justice sector to make the system more efficient, transparent and accountable to citizens.
"This project will create standards of excellence for anti-corruption institutions, strengthen the capacities of the National Institute of Justice and support the Ministry of Justice in its ongoing reform effort," added Kent D. Logsdon, US Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.
Attending the launch event, President Maia Sandu said that the phenomenon of corrupt people in the judiciary, who defend the interests of criminal groups, is a major problem for our country, which is being worked on intensively.
"We will continue the general clean-up in the judiciary and we will continue it with your support. We need to continue to build capacity. Beyond the need for honest people, there is also a need for professionals. So the honest ones must also be good professionals to be able to unravel those past corruption schemes and to be able to give fair, legal verdicts." said Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova.
To date, USAID has provided Moldova with $2 billion. The money has been earmarked for projects to improve the lives of citizens.
