If You Value Life…

The human traffic problem in Moldova has become so vexed that people in various countries started discussing it. Women traffic has acquired really world scale. Moldovan women become victims of trade for sexual exploitation. 30% of women aged 15–20, who left for abroad, are considered missing. 

Moldovan women engaged in prostitution can be found in all European, some Asian countries and even in America. Nearly one million people, out of 3,400,000 citizens of Moldova, work abroad due to poverty and unemployment in their own country. Moldovan workers in foreign countries are exploited, forced to begging, and there are even cases of selling internals. 

Moldova rates the fourth among the CIS countries in AIDS/ HIV infection level. In 2005, there was 2,800 people registered as newly infected. 

This grave situation in Moldova was stated by all represen- tatives who arrived from CIS countries, the USA and Western Europe to participate in the conference "If You Value Life..." which took place in the chapel of Chisinau College of Theology and Pedagogic, in November 17–18. They shared their experience in the field of working with human traffic victims. 

Representatives of the social organization "Life Beginning", Vladimir and Julia Ubeyvolk, greeted the guests. A caged white dove, which symbolized the slaved woman, was chosen to be the symbol of the conference. 

The conference participants were also greeted by the Bishop of the Baptist Union of Moldova Valery Ghiletsky. Cindy Dawson greeted the participants on behalf of Global Women. 

Victor Lutenko told about the situation in Moldova and about the activities of the International Organization for Migration. He presented the situation in the form of graphics, showing the growth of the problem and ways of its solution. The MOM gave every participant a file of documents in order to understand the problem better and to have information who and where to address for assistance in traffic cases and for rehabilitation. 

Lorene Betel told about the situation connected with human traffic in the world. Ioka Peters informed about her mission among prostitutes, including those coming from Moldova, in Holland. 

Olga Mocan, responsible for the Women Ministry in our Baptist Union, presented the Bible view on the prostitution. 

Vladimir Ubeyvolk, Pastor of Svet Miru Church, gave the theological response to the traffic problem in Moldova and spoke about Church mission in this field. 

Ilia Coada told about preventive measures undertaken by Betania Mission. 

On the second day of the conference, November 18, a series of training sessions was organized: 

• 1. How to start the risk group assisting project; 
• 2. How to work in the streets; 
• 3.Work experience in Moldova, work experience in Ukraine. 

The conference took place due to the kind assistance of Global Woman (the USA), International Organization for Migration, Mission to the Republic of Moldova, Svet Miry Baptist Church and Chisinau College of Theology and Pedagogic. Olga Mocan? 

Olga Mocan

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