The working out of a national strategy for developing the network of para-jurists and of a transparent and sustainable mechanism for remunerating para-jurists are the actions recommended in a roadmap designed by the Law Office “Efrim, Rosca and Associates” on the initiative of Soros Foundation Moldova. The roadmap was discussed at the Ministry of Justice on May 19.

Director of the Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation Moldova Victor Munteanu stated for IPN that the creation of a working group for finishing the institutionalization of the profession of para-jurist is the next step.

Deputy minister of justice Nicolae Esanu said the financial situation of many citizens does not offer them the possibility of benefiting from the services of a lawyer because a good lawyer costs. Justice in general is not cheap and it is important to develop social responsibility.

Coordinator of the law office “Efrim, Rosca and Associates” Oleg Efrim, ex-minister of justice, said this document revealed the problems present in the system and the shortcomings related to the work of para-jurists existing in the legislation. The authors of the roadmap scanned the current system and satisfied the juridical empowerment needs of the population, especially the most vulnerable social groups.

To strengthen the state and the role of para-jurists, the experts recommended ensuring their professional association by registering a public association.

The network of para-jurists was created in 2010. Since then, thousands of people managed to solve the legal problems they faced, related to inheritance, divorce, social assistance or ownership rights, with the assistance of para-jurists. Currently the network consists of about 40 community para-jurists from different rural areas of the country.