830 Children Victims of Crime in Moldova in First Ten Months of 2026

Over the past ten months, 830 children have fallen victim to such crimes

In total, since the start of the year, the police have recorded 830 minors who have been victims of various crimes. By way of comparison, 286 children fell victim to sexual offences during the same period last year.

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These issues were discussed at a meeting of the National Specialised Commission for the Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Lanzarote Convention. The meeting was organised by the Moldovan Ministry of the Interior with the support of the Council of Europe.

Participants examined measures to protect minors from violence and exploitation, as well as issues requiring further attention from state institutions. In particular, the discussion focused on online threats, sexual violence involving digital technologies, and the vetting of individuals whose work involves children.

A separate discussion focused on the activities of the Barnahus regional centre in the north of the country, which provides comprehensive support to children who are victims or witnesses of crime. An expert evaluation of its work should help improve collaboration between specialists and make support for victims more effective, whilst preventing secondary psychological trauma.

A review was also conducted of the implementation of the action plan for 2025–2026. Based on this review, and taking into account the recommendations of the Council of Europe, a new programme for 2027–2028 will be drawn up.

Andrei Chekoltan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasised that child protection remains one of Moldova’s national priorities and forms part of the European integration agenda. The European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report noted the country’s progress in improving legislation, but highlighted the need to strengthen state institutions and inter-ministerial cooperation.

Following the meeting, three main areas for further work were identified: the preparation of a new action plan for 2027–2028; the development of comprehensive support for children who have been victims of crime; and the strengthening of measures to prevent sexual violence and exploitation, including in the digital environment.

The meeting took place on the eve of the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, which is observed on 18 November. To mark this date, the Council of Europe also plans to issue guidelines for journalists on how to report on such cases without infringing on privacy or revealing the identities of child victims.

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