Trafficking in human beings is still a problem for the Republic of Moldova. In spite of the measures taken in the country, the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings did not cease to exist. There were 151 crimes of trafficking in human beings (art. 165 of Criminal Code of RM) and 20 crimes of trafficking in children (art. 206 of Criminal Code of RM) registered in Moldova in 2012. Furthermore, the total number of victims according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs is 290 people. A serious challenge for combating trafficking in human beings is the variety of destinations and routes of trafficking, as well as forms of human exploitation. Moldovan women are sexually exploited in Turkey, Russia, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, Greece, Spain and other countries. Trafficking in human beings for the purpose of exploitation of migrant workers from Moldova particularly prevails in Russia and Ukraine in the construction sector, agriculture and services. In 2012 for the first time the number of victims of trafficking in human beings affected by labour exploitation (126) equalled the number of victims of sexual exploitation (126). In 2012 there was an increase in human trafficking for the purpose of forced begging. Differences in living standards between the capital and rural areas generate internal human trafficking in Moldova.

THE IMPACT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA ANTI-TRAFFICKING POLICY ON THE TRAFFICKED PERSONS’ RIGHTS