Soroca - IOM Moldova organized an awareness-raising roundtable on the prevention of human trafficking and gender-based violence in the context of the refugee crisis. The initiative was attended by Roma community leaders, Roma mediators, representatives of the State Chancellery, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, National Agency for Interethnic Relations and the Office of the Mayor of the city of Soroca.

The roundtable was an opportunity to listen to the Roma community of Soroca, the largest in Moldova, to discuss short and medium-term challenges and opportunities, channels for dialogue and actions to be taken to promote fair and sustainable social inclusion as well as to promote Roma culture and traditions.

The challenges raised included unemployment, low school attendance among Roma children, domestic violence, discrimination, social exclusion and a lack of awareness on safe and regular migration and referral mechanisms.

The day was complemented by a field visit to meet with local Roma leaders in Soroca.

"The work of Roma community leaders and mediators is challenging and indispensable. They play a crucial role in representing the interests of Roma people and ensuring their access to essential social and administrative services. Listening to their views can maximize joint efforts with Moldovan authorities to address Roma needs," said the IOM Moldova’s Chief of Mission, Ester Ruiz de Azua.

The initiative is generously funded by the Government of Norway.

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For more information, please contact:

Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova, rseveri@iom.int