On 30 May, the "Support to the Moldovan Bar Association" component of the "Strengthening the efficiency of justice and support to lawyers' profession in the Republic of Moldova" organised in Chisinau a workshop on internal audit for the Audit Commission, the Council and the Secretary General of the Moldovan Bar Association.

The workshop was delivered through a combination of European best practices presented by an international expert, Mr Rytis Jokubauskas, the Secretary General of the Lithuanian Bar Association (2000-2013) and training provided by a national consultant, an experienced auditor, Mr. Sergiu Suveica.

Members of the Moldovan Bar Association Internal Audit Commission and decision making bodies learnt about the best European practices, national and international audit standards and agreed on a common understanding of the role and mandate of the internal audit in the Moldovan Bar Association, roles and responsibilities of the Bar decision makers and strategic planning, the internal risk management, the content and character of the annual compliance report to be presented at the next General Assembly of Lawyers for an enhanced communication and accountability towards members.

 Ms Mariana Criclivaia, the Chairperson of the Internal Audit Committee, thanked the experts and the Project for a timely expertise and workshop in view of the upcoming lawyers General Assembly in June. "We had today an opportunity to build a common understanding of decision making roles and responsibilities for better self-administration and strengthened professional standards." A strengthened lawyers profession will in turn ensure the efficiency and the fair administration of justice to the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.

This activity takes place under the "Support to the Moldovan Bar Association" component of the "Strengthening the efficiency of justice and support to lawyers' profession in the Republic of Moldova".  This project is funded by the Programmatic Cooperation Framework for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The Council of Europe and European Union are working in partnership with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus to help them meet Council of Europe benchmarks in human rights, democracy and the rule of law and improve the lives of citizens.

  Recommendation (2000)21 on the Freedom of exercise of the profession of lawyer.