Romania has historically been a country of origin and transit for human trafficking due to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. In 2006, over 2,000 victims of trafficking were identified, most of whom were women and children trafficked for sexual exploitation or forced labor. The Romanian government and NGOs have implemented awareness campaigns, victim support services, and legal reforms to address trafficking. Religious sisters also work to prevent trafficking through education, assisting victims, and collaborating with other organizations.

1. ROMANIA : TRAFFICKING COUNTRY REPORT

4. ROMANIA ….. In SOUTH-EAST EUROPE … on the BLACK SEA … ..after World War II …..satellite state of the former USSR … December 1989 : REVOLUTION …. Independence … 1 January 2007… entry into EU…

5. a country of origin and a country of transit ROOT CAUSES OF TRAFFICKING …. Poverty unemployment stagnated industry lack of mechanised agriculture natural disasters few relevant educational programs the thrill of adventure the attraction of the West “ family”in jeopardy

6. TRAFFICKERS : unscrupulous. highly organized PEOPLE TRAFFICKED .. 2006 : 2,285 identified victims 1,699 females, 586 males 274 girls, 43 boys , all younger than 18 . 63.50% trafficked for sexual purposes 27.31% trafficked for labour market 8.01 % trafficked for begging purposes 1.18 % other

7. GOVERNMENT ACTION * time-frame 2006-2010 * awareness-raising * the training of police * breaking down ignorance and prejudice * data-base : identification and referral * 15 Government Shelters * video testimony * cooperation between Government, NGOs and other Organizations * more traffickers convicted and longer sentences

8. NGOs OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CARITAS ADPARE AIDRom Reaching Out IOM UNICEF SAVE THE CHILDREN ILO - IPEC Social Alternatives Genera ţ ia T ânără PNUD

9. Role and involvement of women religious in counter-trafficking 2004 and 2005 CRSM US Ambassador to Holy See USMI and IOM Sisters in Bucharest respond to this call Objectives: Awareness-raising Network of sisters Help to re-integrate Members involved: 9 sisters, 6 congregations, 5 nationalities

10. Action Plan 2004 - 2007 To keep up-to-date with information from Government laws and NGOs To meet with students (14 – 18) in Catholic institutes To meet with priests and parishioners To create a data-base of addresses To set up an information office To distribute materials To visit NGO ‘Reaching out’ regularly To help returned victims To prevent trafficking of persons at risk

11. Methodology was adapted to those concerned Translating and creating materials in Romanian Being conscious of continual formation for team members, through reading, discussion and film Conducting interactive sessions with youth Informing the general public on trafficking, through known case-studies and dialogue Highlighting the dignity of the human person, stressing origin, rights and duties of all Requesting involvement of other sisters

12. Best practices Creating an atmosphere in which the need for prevention of trafficking would be well received by all Remaining faithful to the challenge. Moving forward with perseverance, not allowing ourselves to be discouraged by difficulties encountered Visiting High Schools, using interactive methods Meetings with priests and parish-members, eliciting their support Distributing materials Collaborating with the NGO: ‘Reaching out’- a shelter for long-term assistance for 12 young girls.

13. Initiatives First initiative came from USMI/CRSM Activities that followed came from our group: (translations, meetings, working-sessions, distribution of materials, setting up an office..) In one High School, we collaborated with a pilot programme, initiated by Government, Police, Caritas. What has been UNIQUE for us ? We have collaborated with ‘Reaching out’, helping the girls to be reconciled within themselves, so as to rebuild their lives; sharing the Word of God and praying with them; offering them, in all freedom, what is specific to us as sisters .

14. Difficulties encountered People involved are available only part-time No one is specialized in counter-trafficking Acceptance by Government and collaboration with other Organizations is problematic

15. Future Plans To continue visiting Parishes so as to increase the number of people engaged in counter-trafficking To continue trying to develop a network of Sisters across the country To start visiting villages in Moldova To publish and distribute new materials To invite young people and professionals to our meetings To collaborate more with other Organizations and Government To study the feasibility of creating a centre of transit for persons who have been trafficked returning home

16. Our Hope To contribute in some way to ‘eliminating’ trafficking from Romania by supporting every effort made to rebuild this country and to provide work and a just wage for all