Human trafficking, information campaigns and public awareness in Moldova: Why do anti‐trafficking organizations operate under inaccurate assumptions?

Abstract

Policymakers consider that a lack of awareness constitutes one of the most significant factors contributing to peoples' susceptibility to human trafficking. National governments in sending and receiving countries along with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 1 various United Nations (UN) agencies, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, Interpol, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and other regional entities have designed and coordinated anti-trafficking initiatives in Europe. These anti-trafficking

Navigating Migration Risks: The Role of Risk Perception and Information Engagement Among Moldovans

“…Moldovan citizens have experienced numerous information campaigns aimed at raising their awareness about these risk (Bogdan 2020). The International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN agencies, OSCE, the anti-trafficking, non-governmental organization (NGO) LaStrada, and national ministries, have taken active roles in addressing migration risks, with an emphasis on human trafficking (Bogdan 2022). Efforts have been directed at highlighting the susceptibility of women to sex trafficking through campaigns like the National Day of Prayer, Small Steps Forward, and the 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence.…”

“…In short, a wide array of organizations and initiatives have joined forces to enhance knowledge of migration risks and counteract human trafficking in Moldova (Bogdan 2020). Nonetheless, these organizations have operated with limited information into how individuals acquire information about these risks and the potential impact of these campaigns (Bogdan 2020, 2022).…”

“…Policymakers tend to attribute deaths during migration to migrant risk-taking (Nieuwenhuys and Pécoud 2007; Pécoud 2010), and to assume that the public lacks sufficient knowledge about migration risks. As a result, they believe that increased awareness and education on risk will lead to the reduced migration (Nieuwenhuys and Pécoud 2007; Bogdan 2022). However, migration scholars have challenged this assumption and have sought more evidence regarding the impact of awareness campaigns on the public (Pécoud 2010; Bogdan 2022).…”

“…As a result, they believe that increased awareness and education on risk will lead to the reduced migration (Nieuwenhuys and Pécoud 2007; Bogdan 2022). However, migration scholars have challenged this assumption and have sought more evidence regarding the impact of awareness campaigns on the public (Pécoud 2010; Bogdan 2022). Contrary to claims made by international entities focused on migration risks, Bogdan (2022) found that Moldovan rural residents possess the necessary resources to educate themselves about migration risks.…”

“…However, migration scholars have challenged this assumption and have sought more evidence regarding the impact of awareness campaigns on the public (Pécoud 2010; Bogdan 2022). Contrary to claims made by international entities focused on migration risks, Bogdan (2022) found that Moldovan rural residents possess the necessary resources to educate themselves about migration risks. The public demonstrated a fundamental understanding of the structural causes of these risks and possessed the practical knowledge to contextualize them (Bogdan 2020, 2022).…”