Romania

One of the most influential factors in Romania’s economy has been its transition from Communism, marked at 1989. This shift was begun in a country with a virtually obsolete industrial base and an antiquated pattern of output. As of 2005, 25% of the Romanian population was below the poverty line. This marks a decline from the figure in 2003, which was 29%, a decrease due largely to increased macroeconomic growth. Romania has seen a fairly steady decrease in poverty since its economy began expanding, with the poverty level falling significantly since 2000. A 2003 study done by the World Bank does note, however, that “severe poverty (defined as those with insufficient means to purchase a minimum caloric intake each day) declined much less than overall poverty.” In addition, the rural poor have not benefited from economic growth to the same extent as the urban poor.

A 2006 estimate places the unemployment rate at about 6.1%. Unemployment affects primarily the minority Gypsy, or Roma, population, as well as young people, and vocational school graduates. Interestingly enough, unemployment is less common among older people, though the consequences of elderly unemployment are more severe.

One of the major human rights issues faced in Romania is discrimination against the Roma population, as well as against other minority groups. The Roma, commonly referred to as “gypsies,” have dealt with physical attacks as well as other forms of discrimination, for decades. In addition, though homosexuality was decriminalized in 2001, accusations of discrimination based on sexual orientation persist.

In addition, the Human Rights Watch alleges that the Romanian government has failed to adequately support children living with HIV. Nearly 7,200 Romanian youth have HIV, a figure that surpasses those for any other European country. These are the remaining survivors of the “10,000 children infected with HIV between 1986 and 1991 in hospitals and orphanages as a direct result of government policies that resulted in a large numbers of children being exposed to contaminated needles and ‘microtransfusions’ of unscreened blood.” This report also points to the pervasive cultural stigma attached to a positive HIV diagnosis, furthered by repeated breaches of doctor-patient privilege. HIV positive youth often find themselves unable to complete their education or to continue in careers, a result of policies of mandatory HIV testing.

According to UNAIDS, there is a relatively low level of AIDS cases in Romania. Sources estimate the adult HIV prevalence rate to be less than 0.1%. The estimated number of people of all ages living with HIV ranges from 3.4 thousand to 22 thousand. In 2006, the private sector became more involved in joint prevention and education initiatives, a positive step towards stemming the epidemic. The report notes that “political commitment is decreasing, however, especially in the health sector, as the successes of the treatment programs somehow induced the idea that HIV is no longer a major problem.”

Romania has long been committed to the provision of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care for its citizens. UNAIDS considered access to treatment and social support universal, though the report from the Human Rights Watch might contradict that assessment, but access to prevention services remains limited, including for those most at risk for exposure to the disease.

Looking at other diseases of particular concern, Romania first identified the virus that causes avian influenza in 2005. There were still no reported human infections as of 2006. Basic immunizations are administered to the population at a rate of about 95% for diseases such as Measles and Polio. It is of concern, however, that the rural population has access to improved drinking water at a rate of only 16%, which indicates that those living outside the cities may face more risk of diseases associated with poor drinking water.

Romania has seen a rapid acceleration of industrialization since the end of World War II. This has led to widespread water and air pollution, including the contamination of the Danube delta wetlands. In some areas, the soil has been so damaged by erosion and pollution that agricultural output has dropped by nearly 50%. Farmers have been forced to encroach into the forests and natural steppelands. In addition, radioactivity from the Chernobyl nuclear site, two floods, and two earthquakes have significantly added to the country’s environmental issues.

Natural hazards in Romania include earthquakes, particularly in the south and southwest. The geologic structure and climate of the country also promotes landslides.

Romania is party to a majority of the international environmental agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol, the Ozone Layer Protection agreement, and the Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants agreement.

Romania’s educational system consists of preschool, primary school, gymnasium, lyceum or college in two stages, vocational schools and schools for foremen, higher education, and postgraduate education. Male adult literacy is about 98% and female adult literacy is 96%. A student’s social background is one of many factors that can determine admission to an advanced institution. More than half of all students receive some sort of government assistance and students in some fields must first complete six months of practical work in either industry or agriculture. There are seven universities in Romania.

As with other former Communist countries, the Romanian government has recently begun to emphasize the importance of polytechnic education. In lower grades, students study what is considered “practical” subjects. Starting in the higher grades, students participate in work programs, frequently directly with enterprises, workshops, or collective farms.

Association for Transparency Romania - The mission of TI Romania is to promote a higher level of integrity and transparency in the Romanian society. Our primary goal is to prevent and combat corruption through activities of research, documentation, information, education, advocacy, and public awareness.

Crucea Rosie Romania/Red Cross Romania - Romanian Red Cross is a volunteer based organization that belongs to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Its activities are guided by the fundamental principles of the movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. With the help of its volunteer network, all throughout the country, RRC offers assistance to the vulnerable population in disaster and crisis situations. By programs and activities in the benefit of the society, RRC contributes to alleviating and preventing human suffering under all its forms, and protects health and life, ensures respect for human dignity without any discrimination as to nationality, race, gender, religion, age, military, social, or political affiliation.

Estuar Foundation Romania - The mission of the Estuar Foundation is to provide social options and alternatives for the social reintegration of adults with mental health problems.

Feed the Children Romania - The mission of Feed the Children Romania is to improve the living conditions for the Romanian children, to prevent abandonment by helping and supporting poor families who keep their children at home, to reintegrate children back into families and into society, and to help the efforts for the deinstitutionalization of children.

Foundation Wonderland of Romania - The metaphor “Wonderland” is related to the main purpose of the foundation: giving hope and happiness to children who, because of difficult life conditions, have lost their belief in miracles. The initiators and members of this organization try to take care of Romania’s socially and emotionally underprivileged children. This large group of children includes three categories: children coming from poor families, street children, and orphan children.

Friendship Without Frontiers Foundation – The mission of this organization is to promote and support young artists, to set up a database and a web page with the purpose of promoting highly talented children and young people in the arts and humanities, and to provide medical assistance and education for people with disabilities.

Opportunity Associates Romania - Initiated in 1993, Opportunity Associates Romania is the Romanian non-governmental organization dedicated only to training and technical assistance. Its mission is to strengthen democracy in Romania by supporting the development and sustainability of the NGO sector, and by promoting linkages with the government and for-profit sectors.

Pro Democracy Association – Pro Democracy Association is a non-profit NGO, non-profit and non-politics implied. Our mission is to keep strong the Romanian democracy through stimulating civic participation.

REMMED-ROMANIA (A Multi-branch Network for Environment, Evolution, and Development) is an NGO that aims at promoting the ideals of intellectual, cultural, educational, economic, and social and technological/ecological evolution together with the ideals of both material and spiritual development.

SEF Foundation of IASI, Romania - The mission of this foundation is to promote equal opportunities for women by supporting their efforts to raise their standing and visibility in their professions and in their communities, so they may contribute to the greatest extent to Romania’s economic, social, and political transformations.

Tinerii Europeni din Romania - Tinerii Europeni din Romania unites young people from Romania in their belief of a united Europe. Our NGO is a member of the European organization JEF-Europe and acts on a national level. We organize debates, round tables, street actions, lobbying activities, and try to involve as many young people as possible in the debate about the future of Europe.

Wildlife Preservation Foundation of Romania - The purpose of the Wildlife Preservation Foundation of Romania is to preserve to flora and fauna and their habitats. In particular, endemic and migratory species will be protected as well as any other species in need of protection.

Ascociatia Esperando - We are currently looking for professionals willing to volunteer and share their expertise in the world of special needs. Do you have experience in art therapy, music therapy, or play therapy? Or are you a trainer willing to share your knowledge about Autism, etc. with our willing educators? We would live to have you here. We can guarantee that your stay in Romania will be well worth your time!

Care for Orphans in Romania - Global Volunteers offers an opportunity to give tremendous hope to little hearts through its Romania Service Program. Nurture babies and toddlers in a “Failure-to Thrive” Clinic. The organization works with host communities to provide housing, food, education, and medical attention to abandoned and disabled babies, toddlers, and youth. You can make a significant difference in the life of a child who needs the attention of a caring adult.

Habitat for Humanity Global Village Youth Program - Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Village Youth Program (GVYP) gives groups of youth ages 14-25 opportunities to build throughout the world with Habitat for Humanity. Team members work alongside homeowners and local volunteers helping families achieve their dream of a simple, decent place to live.

JDC Jewish Service Corps - Use your skills and commitment to Jewish like to help a Jewish community overseas. The JDC Jewish Service Corps sends self-starting, creative professionals and college graduates to work and live in Jewish communities around the world for one-year placements. The work includes Jewish education, community outreach and development, and welfare/relief projects.

Volunteer at The Arc - The Arc, in the beautiful resort of Sinaia, is home for 4 young adults with mild learning disabilities who spent formative years in an orphanage. The purpose of the house is to encourage the young adults to learn independence, valuing them as individuals. Volunteers will assist in general welfare.