Moldova Advances Justice Reform with New European Standards-Compliant Penitentiary in Chisinau

The EUR 71.7 million project is funded by the government of Moldova, with part of the amount secured as a loan from the Council of Europe Development Bank. It will address overcrowding and poor conditions at Prison No. 13, the main pre-trial facility in the country, improving living conditions for detainees and working conditions for penitentiary staff. 

With a capacity of 1,050 inmates, the new facility will include state-of-the-art healthcare services, energy-efficient infrastructure, and enhanced security systems. It is set to be fully compliant with European and international human rights standards, ensuring that Moldova improves observance of human rights in its penitentiary system as it progresses toward European integration.

“I am convinced that the partial outsourcing of the project management to UNOPS will accelerate the implementation of the project, ensure the quality and sustainability of the construction of the new penitentiary, contributing to the achievement of the Government of the Republic of Moldova’s objective of improving the conditions of detention and ensuring new standards of safety, security and discipline in accordance with international standards,” mentioned Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova.

UNOPS will assist the project implementation unit (PIU) at the Ministry of Justice of Moldova, which is responsible for the new facility’s construction. UNOPS experts will advise and support their government counterparts in procurement, the management of physical work, quality control, and risk management. With its rich background implementing projects around the globe, UNOPS will strengthen efficiency, transparency, and alignment with good governance principles.

“UNOPS is an agency that takes pride in offering practical solutions that help advance its partners on the path of sustainable development,” remarked Tim Lardner, UNOPS Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “We are happy to support Moldova in creating a penitentiary system that respects human dignity and aligns with global best practices. This project exemplifies our shared commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” 

The new facility will serve as a model for future penitentiary facilities in Moldova, promoting modern detention standards that respect human rights and rehabilitative practices. The project demonstrates Moldova’s dedication to improving the treatment of detainees and ensuring the rule of law and is expected to be transformative for the country’s entire justice system.

With the agreement signed, the project moves into its initial stages. After a review of the facility’s design is completed, tenders will be announced for the various types of construction work required. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2026.