Twenty figurines together with the stories of trafficked persons were exhibited for several minutes at the Triumphal Arch in Chisinau within a flashmobbing event aimed at encouraging society to adopt a positive attitude so as to exclude the discrimination against victims of trafficking in human beings. The action forms part of the program of the anti-trafficking week that will take place in Moldova until October 20, IPN reports.
Irina Lencautan, the representative of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, said that more such events will take place by the end of this week. On October 16 and 17, students of the Law and Journalism Faculties of three universities will attend two public lessons where there will be presented data about trafficking in human beings. On October 18, the National Library will host an exhibition of photographs. Prizes will be awarded to the persons who took part in a photo contest. The anti-trafficking week will close on October 20 with the screening of a silent film at the Gaudeamus Movie Theater. This is the second event of the kind.
Ecaterina Berejan, another representative of the Committee, said that for the first time in 2012 the number of trafficked persons and exploited persons was 50 to 50. These persons include children. As many as 198 trafficked persons received assistance last year. The number of identified trafficked persons is much higher than the previous years. Their average age is 20-35. It is good that the destination countries of trafficking in persons identify the trafficked people and involve them in psychological rehabilitation programs and then help them to return home.
Ala Vechiu, of the same Committee, said that Moldova has a national system for protecting trafficked and exploited persons. Every district has by a team that provides services to victims of trafficking in human beings.
The EU Anti-Trafficking Day has been celebrated annually on October 18, starting with 2007.
