OSCE Special Representative in Monaco welcomes continuation of child protection project in Moldova

MONACO, 20 March 2012 – The OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, in her meeting with Prince Albert II today praised the support by the Principality of Monaco in the field of child protection and welcomed the continuation of such a project in Moldova.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to traffickers, especially those lacking basic life skills, such as orphans spending their childhood in institutions”, said Giammarinaro. “With the generous help of Monaco and other donors we are offering concrete help to empower these children”.

During her visit Giammarinaro and the External Relations Minister of Monaco José Badia signed a letter of intent to continue working together in 2012 and 2013 on the project “Preventing Human Trafficking in Children without Parental Care in the Republic of Moldova”.

“We are working with children who live in boarding schools in Moldova, or who just left these institutions to provide them with life skills, education opportunities, orientation and mentoring, as well as material support, so that these children are able to set and pursue their own goals and build their own future”, said Giammarinaro. “I am happy that with the continued support of the Principality of Monaco we have been able to initiate and run this project”.

The project, also funded by Andorra, Liechtenstein and San Marino, is implemented by the Moldovan non-governmental organization Child Rights Information Centre, in co-operation with national and local public authorities.

During her visit Giammarinaro also met Prime Minister Michel Roger, Interior Minister Paul Masseron, and Health and Social Affairs Minister Stéphane Valeri.