Despite the reforms done over the last few years, hundreds of children in Moldova are waiting in boarding schools to be adopted. The long and bureaucratized adoption process condemns many of them to childhood in a residential institution. Ombudswoman for children’s rights Tamara Plamadeala told a news conference that the right to family is not the only children’s right that is violated in Moldova, IPN reports.

“The children stay there for years, without anyone looking for a family for them. They are not provided with transport. By 70 children are carried by a bus with 50 seats,” stated Tamara Plamadeala.

Referring to social protection, she said the orphans’ right to dwelling is not respected, while 66% of the applications filed by them haven’t been yet satisfied by the authorities. According to a UNICEF study, each fifth child lives in poverty. The allowance for a child with disabilities is between 285 and 242 lei a month, while when the maintainer is lost - 49 lei.

Speaking other violated rights, Tamara Plamadeala said there are cases when the children are victims of medical errors. They are abused physically or sexually, while the persons to blame remain unpunished. Last year, there were reported 26 cases of suicide among children, twice more than the previous years.

In the same news conference, Bishop of Saint Trinity Church Victor Plesca made a call for benevolence. “Those who are generous lend to God. The Church will always help the children, but the authorities should also do something,” said the priest, adding that he is anytime ready to allot a part of the land owned by the church on which to erect an apartment building for orphans.

Ninth grader Irina said she wants to continue her studies, but is unable to because she cannot earn her living and does not have a place to stay. Natalia, who studies at the Chisinau teacher training college, said she had to return to the orphanage because she does not have a home, while the student award cannot cover even the costs for textbooks and school supplies.

The conference was held on the occasion of the International Children’s Day that is marked on June 1.