Romania Two persons from Turda, arrested because they sent to beg 11 children

January 1, 2001

Comment: The article reports that a child trafficking network was discovered, operating in Turda, who forced children between 6 and 13 years of age to beg. Police officers said the two persons from Turda had organized a child trafficking network of eleven children, who were forced to beg daily. When they exceeded the age of ten, the minors were specialized in stealing from shops and homes.

Unfortunately – it seems – child begging is only seen as a police issue – getting children off the streets (after citizens were “annoyed”) and prosecuting perpetrators. However the article does not mention if any services were provided to the children – some already in conflict with the law. They should be back at school, accompanied by social workers and re-integrated in their families – if possible.

The original article (in Romanian) can be read here.