The Republic of Moldova has made progress in several areas related to the fight against trafficking in human beings, according to a new report by the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). Still, the report calls for additional action to prevent child trafficking, provide assistance to victims, and ensure that trafficking cases are effectively investigated.
This report, covering the period 2020-2025, evaluates the measures taken by the Republic of Moldova to prevent vulnerabilities to trafficking in human beings, detect and support vulnerable victims, and punish offenders. It pays particular attention to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to commit human trafficking offences.
The report welcomes the steps taken by the Moldovan authorities to develop the legislative, institutional and policy framework for combating trafficking in human beings. The National Action Plan for combating human trafficking for 2024-2028 includes measures to prevent exploitation among vulnerable groups, such as children, Moldovan nationals seeking employment abroad, Ukrainian refugees and foreign workers.
During the period covered by the report, the number of identified victims of trafficking was 935. Labour exploitation remained the predominant form of exploitation, followed by sexual exploitation. Men represented 60% of the identified victims, and children 15%. Most victims were Moldovan nationals exploited in EU countries and Russia. However, the report notes that the country is increasingly becoming a destination country of trafficking victims due to the rising number of migrant workers.
The report stresses that Roma children, children in street situations and children in state institutions are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. GRETA urges the authorities to step up their efforts to prevent child trafficking by regularly inspecting residential institutions and providing social and economic support to vulnerable children.
GRETA is also concerned by the limited capacity of relevant professionals, especially labour inspectors, to identify victims of trafficking. Consequently, it urges the authorities to expand the mandate of labour inspectors, improve their capacity and training, and remove restrictions on unannounced inspections.
Press release
GRETA and the Republic of Moldova
