2010

General

"Migration and the Rights of Children in Moldova." Undated Report. United Nations Children's Fund.  Document Library: Terre des Hommes - Child Protection in Europe.  Accessed 28 April 2010.  http://tdh-childprotection.org/documents/migration-and-the-rights-of-children-in-Moldova

"There are 61 residential childcare institutions in Moldova at present.  Forty of them are financed by the state, while the rest with money from local budgets.  Six institutions have been closed and 2,374 children reintegrated into the biological or extended families since 2007...."   Excerpt from article: "About 10,000 Children Remain Institutionalized in Moldova After Three Years of Reform."  12 March 2010.  Info-Prim Neo.   Accessed 29 April 2010.  http://www.allmoldova.com/en/moldova-news/1249046658.html   

Last year, the global financial situation and other factors saw Moldova's GDP fall approximately 9%.  Unemployment nearly doubled.  There was a sharp drop in remittances from citizens working abroad.  "Moldova Economy Profile 2010."  Accessed 28 April 2010.  http://www.indexmundi.com/moldova/economy_profile.html

Accomplishments

A new program will award 170 scholarships each year to academically accomplished Moldovan students from disadvantaged families.  Recipients will be able to enroll in institutions of higher education.  The program, funded by the George Soros Emergency Fund and Open Society Institute, operates in cooperation with the Moldovan Ministry of Education.  The initiative helps mitigate effects of the current economic downturn.  "Opportunities for Students on Low Incomes."  26 April 2010. Info-Prim Neo.  Accessed 28 April 2010.  http://www.allmoldova.com/en/moldova-news/1249047105.html

2009

General

"Moldova Suffering from Wave of Migration."  07.11.2009  Deutsche Welle.  Accessed Nov. 21, 2009.  www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4860664,00.html

"Global Crisis Pushing Almost 35 Million People Back into Poverty and Vulnerability in Europe and Central Asia." 24 April 2009. World Bank. Accessed Nov. 21, 2009. www.worldbank.org.md/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/MOLDOVAEX...

Moldova's children and elderly especially impacted by interruption in gas delivery.  "Europe: Caught in Freezing Crossfire."  Zoltan Dujisin.  10 Jan. 2009.  Global Issues.  Accessed 18 Jan. 2009.  www.globalissues.org/news/2009/01/10/257

2008

General

Report: "Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children in the Republic of Moldova: Complementary Report/Vision of the NGOs Active in the Area of Child and Family Social Protection."  Alliance of Active NGOs in Social Protection of the Child and Family (ASPCF). Chisinau, 2008. Funding Support: UNICEF.  A copy can be accessed at  www.crin.org/docs/Moldova_ASPCF_NGO_Report.doc      

While Moldova's government is concerned about children's rights and welfare,  "conditions for children in the country remained difficult."  Inadequate funding is cited as contributing to the reality that "Conditions for children in orphanages and other institutions remained generally very poor"  including insufficient food and heat.  "Moldova: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2007."  Released by Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.  11 March 2008.  United States Department of State website.  Accessed 5 July 2008.  www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100573.htm   

Moldova begins to reform its residential child care institutions based upon 2007-2012 national strategic plan.  www.mfa.md/img/docs/raport-final-chapter-2_1.doc      

"Left Behind - Moldova."  Subject: children raising themselves in rural poverty.  Journeyman Pictures.  Accessed 30 Jan 2008.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv0deg5hw-0  

"Europe's Poorest Country - Moldova."  Journeyman Pictures.  Accessed 30 Jan. 2008.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A_c_f4Du0U   

2007

General

"Moldovan Children Struggle to Cope With Their Parents' Economic Migration."  Antonina Sarbu.  8 May 2007.  UNICEF.  Accessed 30 Jan. 2008.  www.unicef.org/infobycountry/moldova_39589.html     

Report on health statistics and public health care delivery system in Moldova indicates that death rates for children under one year are high, particularly in rural regions (p. 109).  Communicable diseases (general population) are at a serious level, and non-communicable disease levels are escalating (p. 109). "10 Health Questions About the New EU Neighbors - Moldova."  2007. World Health Organization. Accessed Jan. 2007.  www.euro.who.int/Document/E88202_Moldova.pdf.  

About Desired Residential Care System Reform in Moldova. UNICEF. CEE/CIS. Ina Priscaru.  2007.  www.unicef.org/ceecis/media_8063.html    

"Moldova is turning to the international community for assistance to overcome the effects of a disastrous drought that has scorched more than 80% of the country...."  "Temperatures in the country have ranged between 38 and 40 degrees Centigrade (100.4-104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the past 10 days."  "Drought-hit Moldova Issues International Appeal for Help." July 27, 2007 RIA Novosti.  Accessed 6 Aug. 2007.  http://en.rian.ru/world/20070727/69810071-print.html 

"Young People Can Foster Change. What Do We Do for Them?"  The World Bank. 30 Jan. 2007 http://www.worldbank.org.md/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES.html.

"The percentage of children enrolled in basic education (7-15 year olds) has dropped in Moldova since independence because of high poverty rates and a deteriorating educational infrastructure..."    U.S. Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.  "U.S. Government Assistance to and Cooperative Activities with Eurasia FY 2006: II. Country Assessments and Performance Measures - Moldova." Jan. 2007.  U.S. Dept. of State.  Accessed 21 Oct. 2007.  http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rpt/92790.htm           

Accomplishments

Moldova the first country to ratify the Council of Europe's Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings.  Amnesty International.  "Amnesty International Report 2007: Moldova."  Accessed 28 Nov. 2007  http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Regions/Europe-and-Central-Asia/Moldova. 

"Moldova Adopts Domestic Violence Law."  March 13, 2007.  UNICEF.   http://www.unicef.org/media/media_39036.html   Made available at CRIN, Child Rights Information Network.  April.  2007   http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?id=12786

"The Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons (CCTIP) Officially Opens."  April 27, 2007.  US Embassy Chisinau, Moldova.  http://chisinau.usembassy.gov/042707.html  2007 News Archive Aug. 2 2007. 

Orphanages

"Approximately 13,600 Moldovan children are in orphanages or state boarding schools....Annual funding for the orphanages covers only about 55% of operational expenses.  Young adults leaving orphanages or state boarding schools are at a heightened risk of falling victim to poverty, drug abuse, and human trafficking." U.S. Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.  "U.S. Government Assistance to and Cooperative Activities with Eurasia FY 2006: II. Country Assessments and Performance Measures - Moldova." Jan. 2007.  U.S. Dept. of State.  Accessed 21 Oct. 2007.  http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rpt/92790.htm        

"Each day a child under the age of seven is abandoned in Moldova.  Youngsters left alone because their parents work abroad have swelled the ranks of orphanages by 10% in recent years." Julia Rooke.  "Helping Moldova's Deserted Children."  news.bbc.co.uk.  BBC News. 11 April 2007.  BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents series.  BBC News.  Accessed 15 April 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/6542385.stm. 

Trafficking

"Moldova Appeals to CE Member States to Step Up Fight Against Trafficking."  Sept. 29, 2007.  Made available at ATNET Moldova: Anti-trafficking and Gender Network. Reporter.md  Accessed October 14, 2007.

"Moldova's poverty...makes it a major source country of trafficked persons."  According to  International Organization for Migration estimates, "every year approximately 10,000 Moldovan women, most of them from rural areas, go abroad in search of work.  Most of them are between 15 and 30 years old; more than 10 percent are under the age of 18, and some are as young as 12."  U.S. Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.  "U.S. Government Assistance to and Cooperative Activities with Eurasia FY 2006: II. Country Assessments and Performance Measures - Moldova." Jan. 2007.  U.S. Dept. of State.  Accessed 21 Oct. 2007.  http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rpt/92790.htm           

According to a UNICEF Demographic and Health Survey, "27 per cent of women over 15 years of age have experienced violence in the home at least once," in Moldova and "of 1,706 victims of trafficking identified and assisted in Moldova between 2000 and 2005, 10 per cent were children and 70 per cent had experienced family violence.  Such violence is often a precursor to trafficking and exploitation."  Cited in "Young Moldovan Mother Who Survived Trafficking Struggles to Recover." Tatiana Tibuleac.  26 March 2007.  UNICEF.   Accessed 30 Jan. 2008.  www.unicef.org/infobycountry/moldova_39204.html   

2006

General

"Moldova's Kids Get Old Before Their Time."  December 6, 2006.  news.bbc.co.uk.  BBC News.  6 Dec. 2006.   http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6211444.stm   Accessed 24 Aug. 2007. 

Over half of Moldova's children are poor, with poverty defined as household consumption falling under US $2.15 per person per day.  (Figure reflects Purchasing Power Parity /PPP exchange rates.)  "Innocenti Working Paper: Child Consumption Poverty in South-Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States." p. 10. Oct. 2006.  UNICEF.    

In Moldova, " extreme poverty tends to be most acute in small towns, in part because their inhabitants (unlike people in rural areas) cannot rely on subsistence farming to provide food, and in part because the towns themselves do not have the industry or economic base to take advantage of national economic growth.  Many were developed as one-company towns in the communist era, and have languished in decline since the start of the Transition."   "Innocenti Working Paper: Child Consumption Poverty in South-Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States." p. 23. Oct. 2006.  UNICEF.    

Avian flu prevention initiative reaches over 500,000 school-age children in Moldova. UNICEF and Moldovan government collaborate on implementing Six Basic Rules project under larger program: the National Communication Strategy on Prevention of Avian Flu in Moldova. "Moldovan children bring home messages on avian influenza prevention."  2006. UNICEF. Jan. 2007  www.unicef.org/ceecis/media_4279.html.

Number of international adoptions allowed by Moldova between 2002-2004: 149 children; during 2005: 83 children.  Most children went home with American, Italian, Canadian, and Israeli families.  "Foreign Families Will Be Able to Adopt Moldovan Children Suffering from Chronic Diseases Only." Reporter.md.  Moldova Azi.  1 Sept.  2006.  Moldova Azi. Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=40799.   

National Statistics Bureau data show 37,700 babies born in Moldova in 2005. The average age of first-time mother is 22.4 years.  "37.7 Thousand Children Were Born in Moldova in 2005 That Is by 1.5% Less Than in 2004."  InfoMarket. 28 April. 2006.  Moldova Azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=39080.  

 Accomplishments

Moldovan students impress at the 2006 Balkan Junior Mathematics Olympiad. "Moldovan School Children Win Nine Medals at Balkan Mathematics Olympiad." azi.md. infotag. 29 June. 2006. Moldova Azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=39881.

Moldovan TV program "Let's Play!" addressing the positive role of sports in child development, receives EMMY award.  UNICEF/Moldova supported  production of the project.  "A Program for Children, Broadcast on the TV Channel, Moldova 1, was Rewarded the EMMY Award." Azi.md.  Deca-Press.  22 Nov. 2006.  Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=41899.  

In May 2006, over 4,600 children received fluoride treatments and over 2,700 were vaccinated against chicken pox. The program reached 25 orphanages and schools in 11 communities throughout Moldova. The Bilateral Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy organized the project.  Team included Moldovan medical specialists, Peace Corps volunteers, North Carolina National Guard personnel, and faculty from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical School.  "Children in 25 Moldovan Schools and Orphanages Will Be Vaccinated Against Chickenpox."  azi.md. 2006. Moldova Azi.  Jan. 2007   www.azi.md/news?ID=39246 

Orphanages

Living conditions at a Moldovan orphanage (reported by former resident):  "From [a] pot of drinking water, 60 children drink water from 5 glasses."  During autumn and winter months, the inside temperature, including in classrooms, is 12 to 15 Celsius.   "...electricity is often disconnected due to factors beyond the control of the management of the orphanage....It is not uncommon for children to eat their meals by candlelight."  "Children and staff must carry water from local wells for use in hand washing and flushing the inside [dormitory] toilets."  Children also use outside toilets.  "The toilet is a big pit covered with two concrete floor slabs that have holes."  "...the state provides approximately 10 Lei ($ 0.80 USD) per child per day for clothing, food and shelter.  "...staff make due on about 30% of the resources needed to keep the school and orphanage operating at a minimum level."  Paraschiv, Vladimir.  Tour of Cazanesti Orphanage, Telenesti.  Orphans of Moldova.  22 Sept. 2006.  "Orphans of Moldova" blog site.  Accessed 21 Oct. 2007.  http://orphansofmoldova.wordpress.com/               

2005

General

In April 2005, Moldova hosted the Odyssey of the Mind Eurofest tournament. 2005. geocities.com.  Jan. 2007 www.geocities.com/odysseydoddseurope/. 

UNICEF finds 96 to 98 percent of Moldova's children "have been fully immunized against tuberculosis, DPT, polio, and measles."  "2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova." state.gov.  2005. U.S. Department of State.  Jan. 2007 www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61664.htm.     

Accomplishments

Teen leaders of the Adolescentul NGO, and other minors of Chiscerni, transform village life and inspire others through their initiative, imagination, and civic leadership. "Young People Breathing Life into Village."  rferl.org. Report, Vol. 7, No. 24.  29 June. 2005. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.  Jan. 2007  www.rferl.org/reports/pbureport/2005/06/24-290605.asp

"Moldova: New Options for Disabled Children."   Botanica Centre in Chisinau is a model for rehabilitation and social inclusion for disabled children.   Thomas Nybo.  www.unicef.org  3 Oct. 2005.  UNICEF.  Accessed 30 Jan. 2008.   www.unicef.org/infobycountry/moldova_28501.html

Orphanages

Funding limitations keep Moldova orphanages in very poor condition.  Problems include disease, lack of heat, and inadequate food.  The Moldova Ministry of Education reports approximately 11,500 children in institutions.  A growing number of children are institutionalized while their parents seek viable work out of country.  The government reports an estimated 20 thousand minors have parents working out of country, with the children placed in state boarding schools or with relatives. "2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova."  state.gov. 2005.  U.S. Department of State.  Jan. 2007  www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61664.htm.   

Trafficking

Female orphans "aging out" of Moldovan boarding schools at ages 16 and 17 are singled out by sex traffickers.  The girls are without basic funds for living expenses or support for continuing their post-high-school education. "2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova. state.gov.  2005. U.S. Department of State.  Jan. 2007 www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61664.htm.                

An increase found in Moldovan minors trafficked to Russia, according to fifth annual Trafficking in Persons Report, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, United States. U.S. State Department, Trafficking in Persons (TIP) reports. Reporter.md.  azi.md.  7 June. 2005.  Moldova Azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=34540.  

La Strada Center report, based on 2001-2004 statistics, finds majority of trafficking victims are under 25, from rural Moldova, and increasingly of minor age. "Human Trafficking in Moldova: Comments, Trends, and Recommendations."  La Strada.  azi.md.  9 Aug. 2005. Infotag.  Moldova.azi. Jan. 2007   www.azi.md/news?ID=35452.  Further information: La Strada.  www.lastrada.md.

Moldova General Prosecutor's Office reports initiating 700 criminal cases involving human trafficking. azi.md. 9 Aug. 2005.  Infotag.  Moldova azi. Jan. 2007  www.azi.md/news?ID=35452.  

Moldova is a major source/supply country for children and women trafficked out of country and into Russia and nearby countries. Moldovan females are trafficked to the Middle East, Asia, United States, and other locations across the globe. There is a growing trend of Moldovan children trafficked to Russia.  Moldovan females between 15 and 30 years of age, from rural areas, are primary targets. Traffickers are reported to be mainly foreign men.   "2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova." state/gov. 2005. U.S. Department of State. Dec. 2006 www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61664.htm.            

Trafficking in humans is a $6-9 billion annual global business and the world's third largest criminal business, behind drug and weapons trafficking. Trafficking volume involving East European victims is increasing.  azi.md. Infotag.  1 Nov. 2005.  Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=36601.  

Turkish trafficking operation targeted young, poor Moldovan girls.  azi.md.  Infotag.  10 May. 2005. Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=34155.  

2004

General

Balti, Moldova, children receive aid from doctors from Lakeland, Florida.  azi.md. Basa-Press. 27 May. 2004. Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007  www.azi.md/news?ID=29287.

Of Moldova's 493,000 children, approximately 25,000 are (social) orphans with living parents and approximately 10,000 are orphans with no living parents. Ungureanu, Larisa.  "Juvenile Delinquency: Just a Social Issue?"  azi.md.  All Investigations. 26 Aug. 2004. Moldova azi. Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news.

While the rate of mental illness for teens and children increased in Moldova (2002 data), there is a virtual lack of specialized services for teens. "A Long Road: A Country Report - Mental Health Services in the Republic of Moldova."  interminds.org. May. 2004.  p. 17. InterMinds, Edinburgh, Scotland.  Jan. 2007 www.interminds.org/contents/countryreports/cr_Moldova.doc.   

Persons under 18 in Moldova are considered children.   Ungureanu, Larisa. "Juvenile Delinquency: Just a Social Issue?"  azi.md.  All Investigations.  26 Aug.  2004. Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news. 

Tighina orphanage is under siege by local Transnistrian militia.  azi.md.  Basa-Press. 19 Aug. 2004. Moldova azi. Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=30509.  

UNICEF study finds only five out of ten Moldovan children to be school-ready; nine percent without a toy. "Book Is No Longer an Element of Education of Children." azi.md. Basa-Press. 11 June 2004. Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=29511.     

Accomplishments

Moldova government's comprehensive sustainable development policy is made into law May 2004; is basis for World Bank 2005-2008 assistance.  "Strategy Paper for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction."  Cited in  "10 Health Questions About the New EU Neighbors - Moldova." p. 118. euro.who.int. World Health Organization. Jan. 2007 www.euro.who.int/Document/E88202_Moldova.pdf.    

Youth Business Center of Moldova (YBCM) encourages student access to market economy practices and youth entrepreneurship.  YBCM projects receive support from UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and others.  See "II.  Integrating Disadvantaged, Marginalized and High-Risk Youth" in Olga Rosca (YBCM) "Associative Sector of Young People in the Republic of Moldova: Contribution of Associative Life in Solving Youth Problems."  In "Youth of the XXI Century: Realities and Perspectives" p. 95. unece.org. Economic Commission for Europe. 2004. United Nations. Jan. 2007 www.unece.org/operact/pubyouth.pdf.     

Trafficking

Over 50 percent of children trafficked to CIS, Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania are orphans or minors who have lost contact with parents.  "...the majority of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation from Moldova to mainly Balkan countries are between 18 and 24 years of age....The lack of visa requirements for CIS member states facilitates illegal transportation of children...."  See "Child Trafficking in Moldova."  Cojocaru, Natalia.  ilo.org.  15 March 2004.  International Labour Organization.  21 Oct. 2007.  www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Feature_storie...          

An estimated one in seven Moldovans live and work outside of Moldova. Trafficking of children, girls, and young women has increased. Both trends are on the rise (p. 2).  There were 5,500 documented HIV cases for adults (ages 15-49) and children (ages 0-14) in 2003 (p. 2). The most impacted age groups are 20-29 year olds (pp. 2-3).   "Republic of Moldova: The impact of HIV/AIDS in the world of work." Country Profile. ilo.org.  2004. International Labour Organisation.  Jan. 2007 www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/trav/aids/publ/cp_3_moldova.pdf.    

Legislation is intended to thwart trafficking of minors. "Moldovan Children Over Ten Will Need Passports to Leave Country." azi.md.  Basa-Press.  11 June. 2004. Moldova azi.  Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=29506.

Trafficking of Moldovan girls and women is of epidemic proportions.  iom.md.  International Organization for Migration/Moldova.  Jan. 2007 www.iom.md.

Global sex trafficking industry targets orphanage graduates in Moldova and orphans in other east European countries. Girls from rural communities are abducted while walking home. pp. 14-15. Malarek, Victor. The Natashas: Inside the New Global Sex Trade. New York: Arcade Publishing, 2004. First U.S. Edition. Other information:  ISBN 1-55970-735-6

2003

General

If categorized by three levels of poverty -- neediness, indigence, and misery -- 45-50 percent of Moldovans are needy, 15-20 percent are indigent, and 10-12 percent live in misery.  The "indigent" group lack ability to pay for medical treatment and education.  The "misery" group "lack even the physiologically necessary means and are constantly undernourished."  p. 2. Comments: Anatol Gudin, Center for Strategic Studies and Reforms (NGO).  "MDG 1: Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Hunger."  Workshop "Millennium Development Goals in the Republic of Moldova: Prospects and Challenges." Nov. 4-6, 2003. Chisinau, UNDP-Moldova.     

Institute of Public Policies (IPP) commissioned survey finds 41 percent of Moldovan respondents concerned about the future of their children. "Poverty, Future of Children and Prices Are Main Concerns of Moldovans - Survey."  azi.md.  Basa-Press. 15 Dec. 2003. Moldova azi. Jan. 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=27106.  Further Information: http://health.osf.It/downloads/news/INSTITUTE_FOR_PUBLIC_POLICY Moldova_Presentation_Cibotaru.doc

In Moldova, mortality rate of children under five is 33 per 1,000 live births (2000).  Mortality rate of children under age one is 20 per 1,000 live births (2000-2005 data).  "Population, Health, and Human Well-Being -- Moldova Report"  p. 1. (See full report for data sources and definitions.)  earthtrends.wri.org. 2003. EarthTrends.  Jan. 2007 http://earthtrends.wri.org.

Literacy rate for Moldovan youth (ages 15-24, male and female) is 100 percent (2002 data).  "Population, Health, and Human Well-Being -- Moldova Report"  p. 1. earthtrends.wri.org. 2003. EarthTrends.  Jan. 2007 http://earthtrends.wri.org.

Accomplishments

U.S. high school World History teacher creates educational partnership with teachers and students in Ungheni, Moldova.  "Where in the World is Moldova?"  Featured as exemplary program by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. edutopia.org. 10. Sept. 2003. Edutopia/George Lucas Education Foundation.  Jan. 2007 www.edutopia.org/php/article.php?id=Art_969.    

Trafficking

National Action Plan addressing trafficking (NAPT) is adopted by Moldova in 2001.  See Mihailov et al. "Forced Labour Outcomes of Migration from Moldova:  Rapid Assessment."  Geneva.  International Labour Office.  Nov. 2005.  In Cooperation with International Centre for Women's Rights Protection and Promotion.  (Available on web May 2008)  

Association of Women Lawyers (AWL) NGO starts the "Centre for Prevention of Trafficking in Women" (CPTW), under UNDP, in Moldova to provide free legal and social services assistance and a stronger anti-trafficking infrastructure.  See  Mihailov et al. "Forced Labour Outcomes of Migration from Moldova:  Rapid Assessment."  Geneva.  International Labour Office.  Nov. 2005.  In Cooperation with International Centre for Women's Rights Protection and Promotion.  (Available on web May 2008)  

2002 and Prior Years

Orphanages

Moldova has very poor orphanage conditions affecting (estimated) 13,500 institutionalized children.  The number estimated by NGOs is 30,000, if foster homes are included.  Key problems are due to funding shortages and include: insufficient food, no heat in winter, disease, and "warehousing" of children.  Persons can work legally when they attain the age of 18.  "Moldova: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2001." www.state.gov/  4 March. 2002. U.S. Department of State. Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Jan 2007 www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/eur/8304.htm.   

UNICEF data shows Moldovan government budget allocation per day for food at 38 cents, for a child in orphanage/boarding school care. "UNICEF Begins Distributing Humanitarian Assistance Among Boarding Schools in Moldova."  azi.md.  Infotag. 11 Oct. 2000. Moldova azi.  Jan 2007 www.azi.md/news?ID=3699. 

Government spending for children in institutions appears to correlate with changes in GDP, not with changes in children's needs, within East European countries. Quote: "A UNICEF survey of child institutions in Moldova found widespread undernourishment and lack of suitable clothing, shoes, bed linen and heating; lice and nits were endemic." pp. 15-16, "Children at Risk in Central and Eastern Europe: Perils and Promises: A Summary."  unicef.org. The MONEE Project, Regional Monitoring Report No. 4. UNICEF International Child Development Centre, Florence Italy.  June 1997.  UNICEF ICDC. Jan. 2007 www.unicef.org/publications/pdf/monee4sume.pdf. 

Trafficking

Council of Europe identifies increasing trafficking of children from Moldova and eastern Europe. Calls for priority development of training, education, and employment opportunities for young Moldovans, with emphasis on young women. "Recommendation 1526 (2001): A campaign against trafficking in minors to put a stop to the east European route: the example of Moldova." coe.int.  Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly, June 27, 2001. Jan. 2007 www.coe.int/t/e/integrated_projects/violence/04_key_texts/trafficking.asp.