Speech of the Resident Coordinator of UN Moldova at the International Platform on the prevention and combating of violence against women and domestic violence – ”Integrated Policies and Intersectoral Cooperation in the Field of Justice"

Allow me to first congratulate the Republic of Moldova on its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and for placing the prevention of violence against women at the heart of its mandate. This is both a big responsibility and a powerful opportunity to accelerate progress.  

Gender‑based violence is one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in the world today. It affects women and girls in every country, across all societies, regardless of income or context. 

For the United Nations, addressing gender‑based violence is not optional. 
It is grounded in international human rights law, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and it is central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Ending gender‑based violence is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, and SDG 16 on justice, strong institutions, and trust. Societies cannot be inclusive, resilient, or prosperous while women and children live with violence and fear. 

Globally, the UN works through UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF, leading coordinated efforts on prevention, survivor‑centred services, justice, data, and social norm change. EU‑UN Spotlight Initiative demonstrate that progress is possible when political will, funding, and partnerships align. 

This global commitment is reflected here in the Republic of Moldova where important and tangible progress has been made.  

With strong leadership from national institutions, and with the support of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe, the country has strengthened its legal framework in line with the Istanbul Convention and international standards. 

For the first time, a national specialization programme is equipping judges, prosecutors, and criminal investigators to handle cases of violence in a consistent and victim‑centred manner. Integrated services are being piloted, including the Regional Integrated Service for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Ungheni, recognized by GREVIO as a promising model for national replication. 

Survivor‑centred responses are improving. More women are accessing legal aid and coordinated services. Data and innovation, including tools such as VIODATA, are strengthening evidence‑based policymaking. These efforts matter. They build trust. They save lives.  

A high level delegation from Moldova led by Mme Deputy Speaker German was recently in NY at the CSW where all these advancements by Moldova were recognized at the global stage. Congratulations.   

But going forward, we must be honest with ourselves. 

Response alone is not enough. 

Recent national and regional studies supported by the UNICEF and UNFPA show that violence against women and violence against children are deeply interconnected. One finding stands out clearly: experiencing violence in childhood is the strongest predictor of violence later in life. 

Yet prevention efforts in Moldova, as in many countries, remain fragmented. Too often, prevention is understood as awareness‑raising alone. One‑off campaigns may increase visibility, but they do not change behaviour. They do not transform norms. And they do not stop violence in the long term. 

This is why prevention must now move to the centre of the agenda. 

The United Nations is supporting this shift through the first Social and Behaviour Change Strategy for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children, and through the piloting of a National Violence Prevention Model at community level. These initiatives recognize that violence is not an isolated act, but a social phenomenon shaped by norms, attitudes, and power relations. 

Prevention means working early. 
It means engaging families, schools, communities, and institutions. 
It means involving men and boys, as well as women and girls. 
And it means investing in long‑term change, not short‑term projects. 

Excellencies, 

Ending gender‑based violence is not only a moral obligation. 
It is a development priority. 
It is a justice issue. 
And it is essential for Moldova’s sustainable and European future. 

Today’s platform is an opportunity to move from commitment to coherence, and from isolated initiatives to systemic change. 

The United Nations stands ready to continue working with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, and all partners to ensure that prevention is prioritized, survivors are protected, and every woman and every child can live free from violence. 

Thank you.