OSCE Special Representative publishes recommendations to Moldovan Government on combating human trafficking

VIENNA, 19 July 2012 - The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, published today recommendations to the Moldovan Government to advance continuing efforts to prevent human trafficking, assist trafficked persons and bring perpetrators to justice.

The recommendations are based on the Special Representative’s visit to the country in October and November last year, which included direct consultations with high-level government officials, and non-governmental organizations on the situation in the country, with special emphasis on trafficking for labour exploitation and child trafficking.

“Following my visit I have continued my productive co-operation with the Moldovan authorities, and congratulate the government on the new Action Plan adopted on 4 July, which takes into account some of the recommendations of my report,” Giammarinaro said. “I also welcome the government’s constructive engagement with non-governmental organizations to establish and enhance the National Referral System for victims.”

In her recommendations, the Special Representative called on the Moldovan Government to sustain political commitment to anti-trafficking action by encouraging parliamentary hearings on the issue, enhance child protection measures to better prevent child trafficking and curb fraudulent recruitment practices in order to detect and prevent labour trafficking.

Another recommendation is to strengthen the law enforcement and criminal justice response, including through ensuring legislative consistency between the Criminal Code and the Anti-Trafficking Law, and providing regular extensive training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and pro bono and legal aid lawyers representing victims.

The recommendations are part of the Special Representative's country visit report, which is published together with the Moldovan Government’s comments. The Special Representative said she stood ready to further co-operate with the government in the follow-up to the recommendations.