TRAFFICKING IN MOLDOVA
The Republic of Moldova is a country of origin for human trafficking. Most victims from Moldova are sexually exploited, but there are cases of forced labor, forced begging, and organ removal. The victims are women, men, girls and boys. While anyone can fall victim to trafficking, in Moldova women, children and disabled are especially vulnerable. Hoping to find a better life abroad and to help their families, many migrants are lured by false promises and trapped by traffickers. To combat trafficking, IOM Mission to Moldova is implementing a comprehensive Prevention & Protection Program. By donating to this program you help in protecting the most vulnerable and in their rebuilding lives. ASSISTANCE, PROTECTION & PREVENTION
Identification is the first step in the assistance and protection process. If the identification of a Moldova victim of trafficking happens abroad, IOM is contacted to arrange the return to Moldova. On arrival, the victim is offered the opportunity to go directly to the Assistance and Protection Centre, specialized in crisis assistance. Referral to the Center can also come from within Moldova; from the police, from an NGO or for example through a social worker identifying a victim in their own community. However, as preventing a person from being trafficked is just as important as assisting and protecting the victims, IOM counter-trafficking program also caters for at-risk cases. These potential victims have a profile similar to victims’ prior to their trafficking experience; vulnerable single parent families, children, victims of domestic violence, persons with a low level of education, and those from poor rural areas with minimal opportunities. Through direct attention and assistance, women, men and children can escape the deceptive scenarios and false promises of traffickers. Catering for a wide variety of circumstances requires efforts from several organizations, institutions and individuals. The framework in Moldova for assistance cooperation is established by the National Referral System for Assistance and Protection of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking (NRS). The NRS is designed to facilitate access to protection services by establishing and employing referral procedures for identified (potential) victims in order to deliver quality services provided by the cooperative actors in the field.
PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTUREDue to the hidden nature of this crime and the stigma attached to victims by their communities, the real number of trafficking victims remains unknown. To combat this ever changing phenomenon, the assistance program is constantly being improved as the demand for assistance remains very high. An essential feature of counter-trafficking is raising awareness, including of the changing methods of traffickers. The government of Moldova is steadily increasing its ownership over the fight against trafficking, including partially financing the running of the Centre. However, in order to ensure quality services and effective assistance to identified (potential) victims, the Centre still requires constant support from our gracious donors. Learn More:
- Definitions & Terms
- Facts & Figures
- What is the Difference Between Trafficking & Smuggling?
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