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The International Organization for Migration-Moldova today announced its participation in the first major multi-country prevention campaign to combat human trafficking across key nations in Eastern Europe, Turkey and the CIS, including Moldova.
IOM's coordinated campaign is targeted towards providing rescue and prevention for actual and potential trafficked individuals in Turkey from neighboring nations, including Turkey's top trafficking source countries of Moldova and Ukraine.
Thirty-second television commercials publicizing Turkey's new 157 helpline for the rescue of trafficked individuals as well as locally-based hotlines will run in Moldova and Ukraine. An additional commercial publicizing the 157 number will run on Turkish channels.
The advertisement to be broadcast on State Television of Gaganuzia and other local stations will promote the 24/24 "La Strada" hotline number 0-800-77777 that informs potential migrants on how to stay safe abroad and advises callers how to get out of trafficking situations.
"Trafficking in human beings is a problem that cuts across international borders," said IOM Turkey Chief of Mission Marielle Sander-Lindstrom. "This campaign recognizes that fact by taking a comprehensive regional approach to preventing human trafficking."
In Turkey, authorities are distributing small handouts, or passport inserts, to travelers entering the country at key border crossings. The passport inserts publicize the 157 number and include warning signs of trafficking. Billboards and other advertising are also included in the campaign.
Today's announcement is in the framework of the Turkish-government coordinated and IOM-implemented campaign to combat human trafficking. The campaign includes increased public awareness activities, stepped up training for law enforcement and medical, psychological and direct assistance to trafficked individuals. The $700,000 USD project is funded by the U.S. Government with co-funding from the Turkish government. Major support for IOM counter-trafficking programs is also provided by the Italian and Swedish governments.
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