The socio-economical context of Moldova is one of the most depressed in Europe. The war in the east of neighbouring Ukraine has worsened insecurity and instability, aggravating attempts at expatriation at any cost. At the same time, the fragmentation of the country after the 1992 war leaves both Moldova and Transnistria with constant tensions at their borders, deep fractures within the population and antagonisms that hinder human development on both sides.

Poverty has driven the economically active population to seek employment opportunities abroad. Every year thousands of people leave Moldova for a few years or for temporary work. 23.5% of GDP came from money transfers from migrants abroad. As a result of this migration, thousands of children find themselves deprived of parental affection and adequate supervision. One of the dangers for young people leaving the country in search of a job, especially for illegal emigrants, is to be caught by human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, or for forced begging.

Alcoholism and domestic violence wreak havoc. Abuse suffered by women and children contributes to pushing the most vulnerable into the nets of traffickers.