U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Moldova
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Author | Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
| Publication Date | 5 June 2002 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Moldova, 5 June 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d7a319.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Moldova (Tier 2)
Moldova is a source country for women and children trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation mainly to Turkey, Greece, and the Federated Republic of Yugoslavia.
The Government of Moldova does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. It is making significant efforts to do so as demonstrated by its actions with respect to law enforcement and prevention. On April 18, 2002, a new Criminal Code and amendments were passed by Parliament but have not yet been promulgated. The new code criminalizes trafficking in persons. During 2001, 34 cases were initiated against traffickers under anti-trafficking provisions of the anti-pimping article of the previous Criminal Code. Five additional cases were initiated under the anti-trafficking article, passed in July 2001, of the previous Criminal Code. There have been no convictions to date. The government has provided some specialized training, and some law enforcement officials have received training at international seminars. Borders are not adequately monitored; the Government of Moldova has no control over the border between its separatist Transnistria region and neighboring Ukraine. The government has no resources for victim protection, but international organizations and NGOs work with repatriated women and have established shelters and service programs for victim assistance. Trafficked women are not jailed or prosecuted for prostitution activities. No witness protection program exists to shield victims from traffickers. In terms of prevention, government officials cooperate with NGOs and international organizations that provide information in schools about trafficking, distribute brochures, and operate hotlines. State television airs an anti-trafficking program. In October 2001, the government formed a National Working Group to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, which adopted a national plan of action.
