Around 120 people with disabilities in residential care to gain access to community-based living in Moldova

Around 120 people with disabilities who are currently in residential care will gain access to community-based living. The Labour and Social Protection Ministry, Keystone Moldova and the Alliance of Organizations for People with Disabilities of Moldova today signed an Agreement that sets the cooperation framework for implementing more key interventions, in order to ensure the transition of persons with disabilities from residential care to new community services.

At the signing event, Labour and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru emphasized that the process of social inclusion of people with disabilities was becoming more robust thanks to the support of the EU and civil society. Thus, non-governmental organizations will contribute to this process, by developing 47 community social services – protected housing and family-type placements for adults.

“Moldova's commitments as regards the observance of the fundamental rights stays a priority, which is reflected in the upcoming National Programme for the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities for 2026–2030. We count on the support of development partners and the expertise of civil society, in order to develop quality services in communities and to reduce systemic barriers that limit the participation of persons with disabilities in the social, economic and political life of the state,” said Natalia Plugaru.

The current partnership provides for the creation of a coordinated deinstitutionalization mechanism, that will enable a comprehensive assessment of adults living in temporary placement centres for persons with disabilities. At the same time, a consolidated Plan for the deinstitutionalization and social inclusion of persons with disabilities will be developed, followed by 12 regional plans.

“We are determined to ensure that persons with disabilities have real opportunities for an independent and dignified life. Community-based living is a right that belongs to all members of the society, which is why we will promote inclusion and non-discrimination, replacing residential care with care based on community and family,” underlined Ludmila Malcoci, Executive Director of Keystone Moldova.

The signing of the Cooperation Agreement took place within the project, Inclusive Moldova: Communities for All, funded by the European Union and implemented by Keystone Moldova in partnership with the Alliance of Organizations for People with Disabilities of Moldova and the Labour and Social Protection Ministry. The support provided by the European Union through this project amounts to 4 million euros, with an implementation period of 3.5 years.