Spain We want to find solutions at the root level for the problems of Romanian children in Spain

September 21, 2007

Comment: 'Tara Mea' is a Romanian newspaper published in Spain, in the region of Castellon. The journalist interviews Sanda Bordei, Romanian psychologist, in charge of an investigation about the situation of Romanian minors in Spain, mandated by both Tdh Foundation in Spain and Tdh Delegation in Romania.

The article describes the approach chosen by Tdh to investigate on the level of vulnerability of Romanian minors, accompanied or not, living in the main Spanish cities. The journalist asks relevant questions regarding the situation in the country of origin, Romania, and Spain as a country of destination: the migration of parents to Spain leaving behind children, the migration of unaccompanied Romanian minors to Spain, the consequences of Romania integration into EU, what's possible to do between both countries to protect children.

This article shows how the Romanian diaspora could consider the migration phenomenon of their children, taking into account the risks factors of being involved in exploitations schemes such as black labor, small organized crime, begging or prostitution. The transnational dimension of the phenomenon, and its social complexity, are well reflected in the questions and answers with the Romanian NGO activist.

Based on consolidated information, often relayed by the local media (read the most recent press coverage), the investigation was foreseen since May by Tdh Delegation in Romania (listen to the interview), with the constant involvement of Tdh Foundation in Spain (the first findings). Schemes describing the exploitation of Romanian minors in illegal activities in Spain will be published before the end of 2007, with concrete recommendations addressed to both Romanian and Spanish governments.