Diary 4 Wednesday June 2nd 2010
Today has been quite a different day. We began with a meeting with the
government agency or department responsible in this area for the repatriation
and follow up support of victims of people trafficking. Romania is badly affected
by this fast growing crime with one of the highest numbers of victims in
Europe. People trafficking is a serious organised
crime which has huge amounts of money involved for the traffickers. Over the
last few months, Mustard Seed Jersey has sent clothing, bedding, toiletries,
disposable nappies, infant formula and our project to pack welcome boxes to
benefit and encourage the victims.
Because of the situation with the vast network of this crime, pending
court cases, often the terror and trauma of the victims there must be total
confidentiality and absolute security. What did surprise me was the lack of
resources this small department has they are short of basic office equipment,
even paper and toner! Much of the furniture the staff have provided themselves,
so it looks well worn. The staff are clearly motivated by genuine compassion
and admitted to often putting their hands in their own pockets to supply the
needs of the victims when they did not have the resources or funds.
Victims return to Romania traumatised, frightened of what will happen
next, all must be involved in court cases against the traffickers and these
cases can take many months to go to court. Some are too scared and vulnerable
to return home and sometimes it is the family (often the parents) who sold
their child to the traffickers the need for a safe house was identified as a
top priority for the immediate future. Another priority is prevention by
education they are building up a programme to heighten awareness of students
in the high schools. The other priority need is for resources to assist the
victims until they are able to support themselves again. Here they said the
help from Mustard Seed has been invaluable but in all honesty it is not enough
to meet all the needs. We emphasised that we could not help with funding but
possibly could help with goods for furnishing the safe house when they get it
as well as continuing the clothing, etc.
I had brought money over with me specifically for the victims and we
were able to purchase basic foods for 30 families, including washing powder for
the 15 most needy and disposable nappies for two with babies and that was the
money all gone. I was pleased with how much we were able to purchase and am
sure this is far better than buying in Jersey and sending to Romania on our
trailer.
We spoke about the lack of opportunities in Romania for people with poor
education, very low wages for the unskilled and ever rising costs. This was
identified as being the underlying cause why some are knowingly willing to take
the risk as they are so desperate to earn money to support their families.
I understand there are currently approximately 200 victims being
assisted in this area. Most of the victims are trafficked for manual work
purposes especially all the men to my surprise there are almost as many male
victims as female. The most common age range is 18 25.
I would view this time spent regarding the victims of people trafficking
as some of the most enlightening and valuable of the trip. Speaking personally I
cannot tell you how shocked I was and am at how this vital work is clearly
given such a low priority by the Romanian government.
Later in the day we met up with Kathy Langston (who has an outreach to
abandoned babies and female prisoners). We wont go into the problems Phil and
I had navigating to her home! But thank heavens for mobile phones and Kathy
standing in the street directing us until we finally heard the welcome words I
can see you look on the left!