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Representatives of Christian organisations from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy and Romania have been visiting
Bucharest from 27th to 30th March in order to learn how churches and assistance organisations are active in prevention of
trafficking in women and assistance to victims. The visit was the third one in a series of exchange visits between Christian
organisations from all over Europe, which take place in the context of the "Christian Action and networking against Trafficking
in women (CAT)" project.
During the stay, participants learnt about the situation in Romania and also in the Republic of Moldova. They got an impression
about the circumstances behind women becoming victims of trafficking. Both Romania and the Republic of Moldova are among the
main countries of origin of victims of trafficking in Human beings.
The participants learnt about the efforts of the state institutions, churches and NGOs to prevent trafficking in Human Beings.
Local NGOs informed the visiting group about their activities in the context of the National Action Plan against trafficking
in Human Beings. One of the main activities in this context is an awareness-raising campaign in Romania. This campaign is
co-sponsored by Churches and related NGOs. Churches play a key role in addressing the problem of trafficking in Human Beings
especially in the countryside. Participants exchanged experiences with the local churches and NGOs how an awareness-raising
campaign can be as targeted as possible. They also discussed how churches and NGOs can offer educational and socio-professional
activities to avoid that women and girls become potential victims.
The visit was also an occasion to meet with representatives of NGOs from the Republic of Moldova, who are active in prevention
and assistance to victims of trafficking. The visit underlined that both Romania and the Republic of Moldova need substantial
support in order to address the problem of trafficking in Human Beings. This support should include both financial assistance
and exchange of knowledge. Participants discussed the need for such support with representatives of the European Commission’
s representation in Romania.
During the visit, participants received information about the activities of the Bucharest office of the international organisation
for Migration (IOM). These activities include work in awareness-raising campaigns and in return programmes for victims. Participants
in this context expressed concern about the lack of continuity in the provision of assistance to victims, who are returned
to Romania.
"Through our assistance work we know about a lot of victims who returned to Romania. Unfortunately, experiences so far have
been very mixed. We very often find that local circumstances do not allow a dignified return and successful reintegration"
said a representative of a Romanian NGO.
For further information please contact Torsten Moritz at the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe, Tel. + 32 2 234
68 08
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