More cases of sexual exploitation of children by foreign tourists reported in Moldova

A new trend in human trafficking is witnessed in Moldova – sexual tourism involving children. The term is new for the Moldovan specialists, but the phenomenon is well known in such countries as Brazil, Ecuador, Thailand and Indonesia. Eleven cases opened against foreigners accused of sexual crimes against minors have been sent to Moldovan courts during the last two years, but the real number of such cases is much higher, jurist Tatiana Fomina, the manager of the analysis and lobby service of the international center La Strada, said in a news conference, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Tatiana Fomina said sexual tourism involving children means the commercial and sexual exploitation of children by foreign tourists. The children from deprived families, boarding schools or who have violent or alcoholic parents become victims of sexual tourism most often. The traveling pedophiles include both men and women of different ages. According to the jurist, the poor living standards in Moldova contribute to the development of the phenomenon. The foreign abusers justify themselves, saying they help the children, give them food and money. The problem of sexual tourism shouldn't be neglected as the poverty, corruption and imperfect legislation can lead to its expansion, said Tatiana Fomina. She also said that the trafficking in children and sexual tourism are closely connected. Presently, Moldova does not have statistical data about persons affected by trafficking in children as there is no common data collection system. It is known that about 80% of the victims are girls aged between 14-17. The main countries of destination in 2005-2009 were Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The jurist of La Strada recommended strengthening the capacity of the law enforcement bodies, informing the service providers about the consequences of this phenomenon, amending the legislation. The recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior and the Prosecutor General's Office.