Moldova

Famous for its green hills, quaint villages, sunflower fields and wonderful vineyards, Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe that lies between Ukraine and Romania. Despite its beauty and efforts to build a strong economy, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

Due to poverty, unemployment, weak rule of law and widespread corruption, Moldova is now a major country of origin for trafficking in human beings. Most victims are Moldovan women and children, sold into the sex slave industry, but also trafficked for forced labor, begging, petty crime and organ harvesting.

In Moldova, Catholic Relief Services works primarily with young women, particularly in rural areas, who lack opportunities and a sense of hope for the future. These women often choose emigration at any cost as a way out of poverty, leaving families and children behind. CRS is helping these women develop job skills and build a life in Moldova.

Active in Moldova since 2004, CRS is based in Chisinau, the capital. CRS Moldova operates in six regions — Balti, Cahul, Causeni, Ialoveni, Straseni and Ungheni — and, with our partners, reach out to thousands of vulnerable women in remote villages scattered throughout the country. Michael McKennett is the head of office for CRS in Moldova.