National Agency for Equal Opportunities and National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons to merge

The National Agency for Equal Opportunities and the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons will merge for a stronger and better organized response in support of victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, the Minister of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, Petre-Florin Manole announced on Friday.

"We are not unifying institutions, but joining forces to better protect lives! The National Agency for Equal Opportunities and the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons will merge under the coordination of the Ministry of Labor. We are not reducing resources or staff, I only want a stronger and better organized response in support of victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. We need a legal framework to be able to have centers that provide necessary services to victims of human trafficking, which today are non-existent," the minister wrote on his Facebook account.

He emphasized that this merger means assuming a clear responsibility by the state, namely to build a structure that is present when victims need help the most.

"It is a moral and human duty to ensure that women, children or anyone going through a traumatic experience are not left alone and receive real, rapid and efficient support. We are in the consultation stage and we will continue the open dialogue. I thank all the NGOs that participated in the discussions. For me, their expertise is essential in this entire process and in the run-up to the merger, but also after it takes place", added Florin Manole.