📋 Tender Overview
The new 2024 – 2028 National Strategy against Human Trafficking was launched today during an official ceremony held at the Victoria Palace.
The launch of the National Strategy against Human Trafficking represents a landmark in the fight against organized crime. The document is the result of the involvement of the Inter-ministerial Committee for Inter-Sectoral Strategic Coordination of the Fight against Human Trafficking, national and international strategic partners, and civil society.
"Over 500 Romanian citizens are identified annually as victims, and this figure does not include those in situations of trafficking. Approximately half of the identified victims are children or young people, further amplifying our concerns. It is time to make a significant change in the way of addressing the trafficking at the national level. We have a synergistic strategy, we have identified intervention pathways, we have partnerships, and we will ensure the necessary resources. The political commitment of the Romanian Government against human trafficking will remain unchanged. We are here, determined to change things for the better and to assist those on the front line of the anti-trafficking fight to stop this scourge," Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu conveyed in a message delivered at this event by the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Alexandru Mihai Ghigiu.
The new strategy aims to be more efficient, adapted to contemporary realities, and results-oriented. At the European Union level, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Romania is part of efforts to combat human trafficking under the coordination of Europol, stated Bogdan Despescu, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in his address.
In her turn, Minister of Family, Youth, and Equal Opportunities, Natalia Intotero, emphasized the important role of awareness campaigns in combating human trafficking.
"The strategy launched today confirms Romania's strong commitment to combating this terrible scourge, which is still a reality at the European Union level. In recent years, Romania has made significant efforts and has already adopted a series of important measures to combat human trafficking. By launching this strategy, these efforts will be significantly intensified," conveyed EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Diane Schmitt, in her message.
The main directions of action aim to create a coherent anti-trafficking system, which includes strengthening cooperation between central or local institutions and non-governmental organizations and implementing effective measures to reduce the phenomenon, identify and assist its victims, and punish traffickers. The support for this approach will be ensured by a complex system of continuous professional training to train newcomers to the system and further the professional training of those with experience, and the victim-centered approach will be efficiently utilized by all institutions interacting with victims of human trafficking. Moreover, Romania will seek to form partnerships with third countries targeting common objectives to reduce the risks arising from cross-border trafficking in persons and to protect and assist victims of this phenomenon.
"I welcome the efforts made by the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons in rapidly adopting this strategic document. This strategy is the result of intense work, transparency, and commitment. I welcome the transparent and inclusive process through which the Romanian Government solicited contributions from civil society and international experts regarding this strategy," conveyed OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Human Trafficking, Kari Johnstone.
The adopted strategy represents Romania's firm commitment to strengthen national security and protect citizens against the complex threats of organized crime. It emphasizes an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, including prevention, education, and victim protection measures, as well as strengthening interinstitutional and international cooperation.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee for Inter- Sectoral Strategic Coordination of the Fight against Human Trafficking will coordinate the implementation of this strategy, ensuring that the adopted measures will have a relevant impact on citizens' safety, emphasized State Advisor Valentin V?t?jelu, chair of this structure.
The event held at the Victoria Palace also marked the celebration of 19 years of activity of the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons(A.N.I.T.P.), an institution with a major impact in the fight against human trafficking. This institution was established in March 2006 with the aim of strengthening the efforts of state institutions to combat human trafficking. It was an important step towards protecting human rights and preventing exploitation.
Chief Commissioner Maria Cristina Step?nescu emphasized in her address the ANITP commitment to protecting the vulnerable and its unconditional willingness to work alongside other institutions and organizations involved in the fight against human trafficking, for the rights and dignity of every person!
"The anti-trafficking strategy launched today is an example of cooperation and involvement of authorities in support of vulnerable Romanian citizens," stated the Deputy Director of the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons.
