Irish Government allocates €1 million to strengthen child protection services in Moldova

Chișinău, 16 November. The Government of Ireland, through Irish Aid, has approved a financial contribution of €1 million to support UNICEF’s new programme “Empowering Moldova's Child Protection System: Delivering Quality Social & Protection Services to Vulnerable Children and Families, including Refugees.” The two-year partnership will reinforce Moldova’s child protection and social service systems at a crucial moment in the country’s EU accession process.

The contribution is made on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, through the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs (Irish Aid).

This new programme aligns with Moldova’s ongoing reforms and growing needs, as the country continues to respond to the protracted effects of displacement while advancing structural system improvements.

With Irish Aid’s support, UNICEF will work with the Government of Moldova and local authorities to ensure that vulnerable children, families, and refugees have access to high-quality protection and social services. The initiative aims to advance the Better Care reform, strengthen the implementation of the Temporary Protection mechanism, and reinforce the child protection system across the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus.

The programme’s overall objective is to enhance the child protection system so that every child, including those facing separation, neglect, violence, disability, migration, or displacement can benefit from timely, quality, and family-and community-based services.

The investment comes at a pivotal moment as Moldova undertakes critical reforms to align with EU standards for child protection, social inclusion, and care services. UNICEF will support authorities at national and local levels to:

• Improve access to high-quality protection and social services for children and families;
• Strengthen case management, early identification, and referral pathways;
• Support the national roll-out of the Temporary Protection mechanism for refugees;
• Accelerate the transition from residential to family- and community-based care;
• Build capacity among social workers, frontline providers, and community services.

About Irish Aid

Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland’s official development assistance programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to reduce poverty, promote peace, and support sustainable development and human rights around the world.