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IJM report on fight against human trafficking in Romania: 78 victims - assisted, 26 traffickers - convicted
A number of 78 victims were assisted, 18 defendants were sent to court, 26 traffickers were convicted within the project "Strengthening the proactive response of the criminal justice system to human trafficking in Romania," according to the International Justice Mission (IJM) report.
The report was presented on Tuesday by Shawn Kohl, director of the European Anti-Trafficking Program, IJM, during the event organized by the Special Parliamentary Committee for Combating Human Trafficking.
The "Voices for Justice" report mentions that, within the same project, 471 professionals were trained in combating human trafficking, in order to reduce the phenomenon, proposing steps for legislative improvements and recommendations such as the issue of punishment limits, the exclusion of the possibility of suspending the execution of the sentence under supervision, or the issue of the appropriate application of the regulations of the Criminal Code regarding the hearing of victims.
Shawn Kohl emphasized on this occasion that Romania has a significant number of convictions for human trafficking, the justice system and victim assistance have been improved in recent years, but there are many areas in our country where progress can be made in this direction, through the approach of some international models of good practice.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the institutions of the justice system, other government agencies and civil society organizations, as an essential factor for improving the outcomes of survivors, preventing revictimization, convicting criminals, increasing crime deterrence and reducing the prevalence of human trafficking.
In turn, Florin Manole, chairman of the Special Committee, referred to several priorities related to discouraging traffickers by toughening penalties and reducing suspended sentences, as well as supporting and offering services for victims of human trafficking.
Roxana Momeu, secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice, mentioned that the funds confiscated and recovered from human traffickers will be used to finance non-reimbursable projects, focused on legal education, crime prevention and victim assistance and protection.
The event organized by IJM and the Special Parliamentary Committee for Combating Human Trafficking was attended by, among others, representatives of the US Embassy in Bucharest, officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) structures, survivors of human trafficking.