Human rights in Romania
Encyclopedia
Human rights in Romania are generally respected by the government, however there have been controversies regarding a number of issues, including during the 2004 and 2009 elections.
, in particular against Roma, and concerns raised about the failure of the government to fully investigate and prosecute alleged cases of police brutality.
. Journalists who wrote reports critical of government policies and actions have claimed they were targets for harassment and intimidation during the Romanian presidential election, 2004
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as a human rights issue in Europe (see main article: trafficking in human beings). The end of communism has contributed to an increase in human trafficking, with the majority of victims being women forced into prostitution. Romania is a country of origin and country of transit for persons, primarily women and children, trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Romanian government has shown some commitment to combat trafficking but has been criticized for failing to fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
Police brutality
There were reports in 2003 and 2004 of police brutalityPolice brutality
Police brutality is the intentional use of excessive force, usually physical, but potentially also in the form of verbal attacks and psychological intimidation, by a police officer....
, in particular against Roma, and concerns raised about the failure of the government to fully investigate and prosecute alleged cases of police brutality.
Freedom of the press
The government has been accused at times of restricting freedom of the pressFreedom of the press
Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials...
. Journalists who wrote reports critical of government policies and actions have claimed they were targets for harassment and intimidation during the Romanian presidential election, 2004
Romanian presidential election, 2004
A presidential election was held in Romania on November 28, 2004. 12 candidates competed for the office. As no candidate won more than 50% of the votes, a run-off was held on December 12, 2004, between the two leading candidates: prime minister Adrian Năstase of the ruling Social Democratic Party...
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Human trafficking
There has been a growing awareness of human traffickingHuman trafficking
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of slavery...
as a human rights issue in Europe (see main article: trafficking in human beings). The end of communism has contributed to an increase in human trafficking, with the majority of victims being women forced into prostitution. Romania is a country of origin and country of transit for persons, primarily women and children, trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Romanian government has shown some commitment to combat trafficking but has been criticized for failing to fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.