In partnership with Moldavian Christian Aid, the International Organization for Migration has organized more than 650 priests, clergymen, and monks to work on anti-trafficking efforts. As a major source country for human trafficking, there is growing concern in Moldova about how to address the issue and raise awareness throughout the country. Through the Inter-Denominational Coalition for the Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings (in which all major churches in Moldova are represented), the IOM has held more than 25 informational seminars to educate the priests and clergy in how they can play a role in combatting human trafficking. Churches often serve as a healing site for trafficked women and thus the church is one of the best sites for prevention and assistence. Moreover, the church potentially could play one of the most important roles in ensuring successful reintegration of trafficked women back into general society. IOM's hope in engaging the priests and clergy is to broaden the spectrum actors working against human trafficking.
For more information, contact:
Rodica Okani
IOM Moldova
Tel: +373 22 23 29 40 (ext.131)
Fax: +373 22 23 28 62
E-mail: rokani@iom.int
Compiled from: "Efforts to Engage Clergy in Counter Trafficking Reaches New High," www.iom.org, 2 October 2007.