Moldova receives upgrade in US Trafficking in Persons Report

The United States Government upgraded Moldova to Tier 2 in its 2011 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report in recognition of the progress made. Before receiving the upgrade, Moldova was on Tier 2 Watch List and previously on Tier 2. The 2011 TIP Report remarks that the Moldovan Government “does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so”. The government has made progress over the past year in addressing the protection of victims and the prevention of trafficking. Specifically, NGO representatives reported that the government’s ability to identify and provide care for victims improved; it increased the participation of NGOs in the investigative process, including special provisions for child trafficking victims. The government expanded the National Referral System, a program lauded by NGOs and viewed as a model for other countries in the region. In addition, the government raised awareness through high-level attention to the issue. However, the government did not show sufficient progress in addressing complicity in trafficking by law enforcement and other government officials. Reports of widespread corruption in the police and judicial system persisted and no officials were prosecuted, convicted, or served time in prison for trafficking-related offenses. Furthermore, overall law enforcement efforts declined from the previous year and forced labor crimes were rarely investigated and prosecuted. In a press statement, the Government of Moldova saluted the upgrade. “Such a recognition by the United States reflects the result of the efforts taken by the current government in concert with civil society, on one hand, and international partners, on the other, to fight trafficking in human beings, including by applying adequate sanctions against offenders and persons involved in illegal acts of human trafficking, as well as to provide protection to victims of trafficking”, reads the statement. It also says that the Moldovan Government, through the National Anti-Trafficking Committee, will remain fully engaged in coordinating actions at national level to make further progress in combating the phenomenon. The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the US Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking.