Moldova strengthens child protection laws
Children in vulnerable situations, especially those caught in family disputes, will benefit from increased protection when travelling abroad or facing illegal detention.
The government has approved a draft law establishing special protective measures to safeguard these children.
The legislation will provide free legal aid to individuals affected by the illegal removal of a child and increase legal support for families in distress. Courts will have the authority to implement additional protective measures, such as revoking passports or imposing travel bans, in cases where there is a risk of illegal detention.
Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, emphasised that the new legislation will facilitate collaboration between national authorities and international institutions to locate, protect, and repatriate children. Efficient information exchange will enable the verification of visitation arrangements for children residing abroad.
“We are addressing the issue of children being illegally removed or detained,” stated Minister Buzu. “The draft law ensures state-guaranteed legal aid for affected parties, outlines detailed procedures for handling international child abduction cases, and provides mechanisms for enforcing court orders for child return. It also establishes measures and sanctions for non-compliance.”
Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved Moldova’s accession to an international convention that will enforce national court decisions in other countries. This will streamline cross-border cooperation and expedite responses to situations that jeopardise children’s best interests.
Over 10,000 children in Moldova are currently facing vulnerable circumstances. To strengthen child protection efforts, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has hired 150 specialists in the past year and plans to recruit an additional 150 professionals in 2025.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
