Strengthening anti-trafficking action focus of OSCE Special Representative visit to Moldova

CHISINAU, 07 June 2022 – OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Valiant Richey, visited the Republic of Moldova to support the implementation of the recommendations his Office issued to reduce the risks of human trafficking.

The Special Representative took part in a workshop at the OSCE Mission to Moldova based on the recommendations issued by his Office. The workshop focused on the importance of multi-agency co-ordination in combating trafficking and addressed the need to assess the risks of human trafficking in the country. These efforts are particularly relevant in light of the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine and the need to strengthen Moldova’s response to these challenges, an area in which the OSCE is ready to assist.

“The OSCE developed guidance for countries to prevent human trafficking, and now we are helping States to implement it. Today’s discussions with national authorities and civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova are the first step in the process to track what has been done, what has worked and what areas need more action,” emphasised Richey during the workshop.

The workshop included representatives from the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the National Labour Inspectorate and the National Agency for Employment and Chisinau shelters. Participants also included representatives of Civil Society Organizations and international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Richey also participated in a parliamentary hearing organized by the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Protection, Health and Family, Dan Perciun. The hearing highlighted opportunities for the Moldovan legislative body to strengthen the country’s effectiveness in combating trafficking, both in relation to the immediate concerns around the humanitarian crisis and also more broadly.

Richey also met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ana Revenco, and representatives of the Centre for Combating Trafficking in Persons (CCTiP) and Labour Inspectorate at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.