MMPS: Annually child poverty reduced by 4 - 5% in Moldova

Chisinau, Dec. 5 /MOLDPRES/- Annually, child poverty is reduced by 4 - 5% in Moldova. Next year we aim to administer much more effective social assistance and child protection systems and implement impactful projects. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu made the statements at the event Partnership between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS) and UNICEF to strengthen social assistance and child protection systems.

The event aims to present the impact of the measures implemented for children, social service providers and employees in the social assistance system and to establish priorities in the child protection.

"The government has undertaken to reform the social assistance system, to develop social services at the national level according to the existing needs in the community, to develop and implement pro-active policies to combat poverty, especially among children. We aim to strengthen social services and assistance. This year, we launched the RESTART reform to reduce poverty and vulnerability. Next year we aim to administer the system much more efficiently and implement impactful projects, this is our mission, and with the support of our partners we will surely succeed", said Buzu.

Attending the event was head of state Maia Sandu. The official appreciated the partnership between MMPS and UNICEF, which made it possible to strengthen the social assistance system. "We appreciate this support in the difficult context in which our country found itself once the war in Ukraine started. Currently, about 100 thousand Ukrainian citizens remain in the Republic of Moldova, and half of them are children. In these circumstances it is important to offer support to them. Thanks to the partnership, several aids were provided to the citizens. In this difficult period, I wish that we do not lose sight of the most vulnerable category of citizens, that of children. I assure you that the Government is with the children. We are grateful to the development partners for the financial support offered for the continuation of the programs, support, effort and solidarity", said Maia Sandu.

UNICEF Representative in Moldova Maha Damaj said that providing support to families is a priority for UNICEF and state institutions. "It is important to provide lasting assistance and respond to the needs of citizens, especially children. With the efforts of all the actors involved in the assistance process, we will continue the support actions for children in order to strengthen the assistance systems", said Maha Damaj.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with UNICEF.