Moldovan foreign ministry takes note of U.S. Department of State's report on situation in terms of trafficking of persons, 2017 issue

Chisinau, 28 June /MOLDPRES/ - The Foreign and European Integration Ministry (MAEIE) has taken note of the Report by the United States Department of State on the situation in terms of trafficking of human beings, the 2017 issue. In the report, Moldova was positioned at the level Tier 2 Watch List, the MAEIE information and media communication service has reported.  

MAEIE stressed that the situation showed in the concerned report referred preponderantly to the 2016 year, when the reform of the competent institutions in charge of fighting the trafficking of human beings (THB) was underway, with the process finished in late 2016. This process implied including a more attentive eye on officials with direct responsibilities in combating the trafficking of human beings, of whom some had problems of integrity and whose work did not meet the needs and expectations in this sector.   

Being aware of this state of things and without waiting the publication of the report, the authorities made a string of proposals, in close cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, in order to improve the situation in this field.

The draft document has been already submitted to the anti-trafficking community, including the civil society, for consultation. An ambitious calendar was proposed to implement this document, out of desire to undertake prompt and comprehensive actions by the competent institutions involved.  

Inter alia, the document provides for strengthening the capacity of investigation, criminal prosecution and conviction of traffickers as to their serious deeds, fighting corruption in the judicial system, protection of inquirers and prosecutors from external influence and internal corruption, ensuring the protection of victims during trials, especially in criminal prosecutions, etc.   

The set of proposals is to be completed and approved at the next meeting of the National Anti-trafficking Committee, scheduled for July 2017, with a period of action till the end of this year.   

Moldova’s authorities are aware of the seriousness of the phenomenon of trafficking of human beings and will make needed efforts to make quick and solid progress in order to eliminate this scourge.

On a medium term, the cabinet is to adopt and implement the national strategy of prevention and fighting THB – a complex document of policies, that will combine the national system of reference for the protection and assistance of victims and potential victims, with the dimension of preventing and combating THB.    

Moldova’s positioning at the level Tier 2 Watch List will not affect the volume of assistance provided by the U.S. Government, as the Moldovan authorities are determined to undertake needed actions to advance in the concerned rating.