A number of persons said “No to human trafficking !” and released balloons into the sky in the square of the Metropolitan Cathedral “God’s Birth” in central Chisinau within an event held to raise people’s awareness to the consequences of trafficking in persons, IPN reports.
According to the head of the Center for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings Lilian Levandovschi, the problem of trafficking in persons, either for work or for sexual exploitation, affects not only Moldova, but the whole world. During the last few years, the number of persons exploited inside the country increased. Statistics show 96 offenses related to trafficking in human beings were committed during the first six months of this year. There were identified 202 victims, 165 of whom were adults and 37 were minors. Of these, 34 grownups were exploited in the country.
Antonio Polosa, Chief of the International Organization for Migration’s Mission in Moldova, said that by celebrating the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, we remind that the migrants are too often subject to exploitation and abuse risks when they look for employment opportunities far from home. The private sector should mobilize and make sure that the migrants who were wronged enjoy the justice they deserve, while the responsible authorities should facilitate their return to the country and should offer them support for recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration where is it possible.
Melissa Crawford, of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, said trafficking in persons is a serious problem globally and all countries should struggle to stop modern slavery. The staged event is a very good occasion for increasing the awareness of the problem.
According to statistics of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, 32 adult victims and nine minor victims were helped and rehabilitated through assistance and protection placement centers financed with state-budget funds. These provide specialized services for up to a year intended for victims and potential victims of human trafficking.
