Concrete steps towards reforming the system of justice in Moldova

The Law on Probation entered into force in September 2008. Bearing in mind that the Probation reform is one of the most important measures taken for humanization of the punitive policy of the Republic of Moldova, aiming to modernize the legal framework and to adjust it to the European standards, the efficient enforcement of this law will contribute to the individualization of punishments, reducing re-offending and ensuring the re-socialization of convicts. Aiming at strengthening the Probation service, NORLAM provided support in training the new employed staff and improving the management skills of the chiefs of offices.

Thus, the purpose of this Conference was to draw attention to the challenges faced by this new institution and to find effective solutions. Among the participants at the conference were representatives of Moldovan authorities and bodies involved the process of the justice reform in Moldova – The Ministry of Justice, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs – NGOs, lawyers, as well as the representative of the Royal Norwegian Embassy to Chisinau, residing in Bucharest, DHM Liv Maren Røste.

The Rule of Law-team NORLAM is part of the Norwegian assistance programme to the Republic of Moldova, amounting to a total of approximately 3 million euro annually, of which NORLAM makes up the biggest. NORLAM has been working in Moldova since spring 2007 with the main scope of assisting in competence building within the justice domain and the legal profession, in order to increase the efficiency of the institutions guaranteeing human rights and the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova in line with Moldova’s European objectives and commitments.