Shalom Prize for Romanian aid project against sexual exploitation

The organization was founded in 1999 by Iana Matei. The 64-year-old psychologist has been committed to justice since the late 1980s and has been fighting human trafficking since the late 1990s. Since 1999, ROR has helped more than 750 victims, built two assistance centers and a farm to provide them with a framework of normal living conditions and the possibility of reintegration into society. Currently, twelve children and adolescents between the ages of ten and sixteen with Romanian citizenship live in the centers and are provided with a safe place as well as medical, psychological, social and legal assistance by ROR.

Survivors of human trafficking have often been subjected to physical abuse that has profound physical and psychological effects. Academic studies have shown that the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or sleep disorders is extremely high. Cognitive dysfunction, depression, and suicide are among the long-term consequences.

"Victims of human trafficking and sexual violence are often isolated and socially ostracized; even their circle of friends and family often turn away. ROR offers victims space to heal, raises awareness in the community, enables the building of bonds, and creates new perspectives on life with specific targeted actions. The organization thus also makes an enormously important contribution to combating the structures of human trafficking. Once again, we as a working group would like to point out with this year's project that there are serious violations of human rights here in Europe as well, against which we raise our voices", explains Ulrike Schurr-Schöpfel, spokeswoman of the working group.