October 9, 2024, Chisinau - The State Secretary Mariana Lucrețeanu, participated in the opening of the training workshop for officers of the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) and the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP). The event was organized by the Council of Europe and focused on the protection of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugee women.

In her welcoming speech, Mariana Lucrețeanu emphasized that the influx of refugees in the Republic of Moldova has put a significant strain on internal resources. The State Secretary emphasized the need to improve the legislative framework for the protection of persons fleeing violence and persecution, encouraging GIM and GIBP employees to act with professionalism and empathy to find viable solutions and understand the needs of these women. "Every woman has the right to a free life and access to all the rights she deserves," said the State Secretary.

In his turn, Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, noted the importance of strengthening the capacity of frontline authorities to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable women.

The facilitators of the training, Rabya Ali and Tatiana Chebac, Council of Europe consultants, presented a recent study highlighting the need to improve the legal and procedural framework to better protect vulnerable women. The workshop focused on recognizing all forms of gender-based violence, simplifying access to residence permits for migrant and asylum-seeking victims, increasing access to shelters and health services, and improving coordination between responsible institutions.

It should be noted that the activity is part of a Council of Europe project carried out in the framework of the Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024. Moldova ratified the European treaty on the protection of women on January 31, 2022.