The events were organized at the initiative of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and supported by the International Organization for Migration in Moldova in the districts of Drochia, Soroca, and Ștefan Vodă on July 30, August 1, and August 5, respectively.
The campaign kicked off in the city of Drochia with the launch of the art exhibition "Invisible Among Us," featuring figures inscribed with real stories lived by victims of human trafficking. The figures were later displayed at the Drochia Multifunctional Center for seven days and in public areas in the cities of Soroca and Ștefan Vodă.
The exhibition was organized to inform society about the risks and consequences of human trafficking, with a focus on specific at-risk groups, such as children, youth, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
Additionally, the events included discussions on the risks of human trafficking, victim assistance and protection measures, new trends specific to the country, and the challenges faced by specialists in managing human trafficking cases. With the support of the International Organization for Migration in Moldova, the International Organization "La Strada," and the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention, informational materials were distributed on preventing and combating human trafficking and violence against children.
The events gathered around 220 participants, including representatives from the Territorial Offices of the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Territorial Social Assistance Agencies, Territorial Committees for Combating Human Trafficking, the General Police Inspectorate, the Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons, mayors, community social workers, and members of district multidisciplinary teams.
As part of the campaign, the Northeast and Southeast Territorial Social Assistance Agencies, together with their subordinate social assistance structures, carried out numerous awareness and information activities for the population, such as discussions with children and adolescents on the prevention and combat of human trafficking at the "Hope" Children's Summer Camp and the Maternal Center in Dondușeni; drawing and essay contests for children; information programs for adolescents; thematic meetings with mayors, multidisciplinary team members, community social workers, social workers, and other specialists; the development and distribution of informational leaflets, and more.
Through this campaign, emphasis was placed on raising awareness of human trafficking, encouraging activism in its prevention, mobilizing partners and key stakeholders, strengthening support for rapid response services to trafficking and exploitation cases, and facilitating the social reintegration of victims and presumed victims of human trafficking.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
