Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
On behalf of the International Development Law Organization, it is a pleasure to join you and our esteemed partners and friends from Moldova’s justice sector, the diplomatic community, and civil society, for the launch of this important initiative.
As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development, IDLO has partnered with Moldova since 2018 in its efforts to combat corruption and build a stronger justice system.
Corruption is a fundamental challenge to sustaining peace and achieving sustainable development for all countries, including Moldova.
It has an inherently corrosive effect on societies, increasing inequality, undermining trust in institutions, and fueling discontent and insecurity.
The justice sector can play a vital role in tackling corruption, in collaboration with the rest of government and civil society.
IDLO partners with countries in all regions of the world to prevent, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate offences related to corruption.
Our engagement spans global policy platforms such as the UN General Assembly, G7, G20, OECD, and the Conference of the State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, where we work to keep anti-corruption high on the international agenda.
IDLO has been proud to play our part in the significant strides that Moldova has made in justice sector reform, particularly in such challenging circumstances.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, specialized mediation bodies, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, we have advanced mediation and arbitration practices in Moldova, establishing regional centres in Balti and Cahul, as well as a Mediation Lab at Moldovan State University.
These mechanisms support the advancement of ADR in the country and help to alleviate caseloads in the justice system.
We have also partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to support the Independent Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee (CCIA) and the Extraordinary Prosecutor Vetting Commission (PVC) in carrying out their mandates.
These reforms are also essential for Moldova’s integration with the European Union, an aspiration confirmed by Moldova’s historic EU referendum just a few weeks ago.
I would like to congratulate the government and people of Moldova on this remarkable progress.
Today, with the launch of this initiative on “Advancing Integrity and Transparency for a Modern Justice Sector in Moldova”, we are taking another step in building a more effective, accessible and accountable justice system.
This project, funded by Sweden, continues the longstanding collaboration between Sweden and IDLO in promoting the rule of law, human rights and democratic governance.
It aims to enhance the efficiency of the justice sector, promote greater public trust, and empower civil society to actively monitor corruption.
By advancing digitalization, transparency, and civic engagement, it will contribute to a fairer, more accessible, and transparent justice system.
Our partners in this effort include the Ministry of Justice, the National Institute of Justice, the National Integrity Authority, the National Anti-Corruption Centre, and the Union of Authorized Administrators, as well as Moldovan civil society.
I am confident that, by working together, we will make lasting strides in building a modern justice sector that upholds the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Moldova’s commitment to reform, supported by international collaboration, sends a powerful message: justice must be accessible, equitable, and rooted in the principles that strengthen and unify our societies.
IDLO stands with Moldova and all our partners in this endeavour.
Thank you once again, Honorable Minister, dear Ambassador, and all of our partners.
I am excited for what we will accomplish together and look forward to a successful partnership.