Photography credit: Rene Riisalu
In November 2023, the Estonian Minister of Justice, Kalle Laanet, and Chancellor Tõnis Saar announced the most outstanding projects in the field of justice for 2023 as part of the 105th anniversary of the Ministry. The projects were recognised in three different categories, and the Ministry’s staff were also able to choose their favourite projects. In 2023, 17 candidates were nominated.
A collaboration between Victim Support Europe and the Estonian Ministry of Justice, Advancing Rights of Estonian Victims (AREV), was awarded in the category of best co-operation and development project of 2023.
AREV was launched in 2021 with the main aim of improving the protection and support offered to victims of crime in Estonia. Other goals of the project included improving victims’ experience in their recovery, improving the delivery of information to victims, improving referral to support services and improving public awareness about victims’ rights and the services available to them.
In order to achieve these goals, the project developed different tools to increase understanding of the needs of crime victims and the services available. There was close cooperation with the Police and Border Guard Board, the Social Security Board, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the health sector and other stakeholders. The project was implemented in Ida and Lääne-Viru County; this focus in a specific area allowed for better implementation of a community approach.
As AREV comes to a close, VSE would like to thank the Ministry of Justice in Estonia firstly for their participation in the project, and secondly, for recognizing this innovative project through this award.
Read the original article here.
Read more about the AREV project here.
