specific needs of children and elderly left behind as a ... - IOM Moldova

The health of family members The involved perception in the of migration labour migration process
of garbage, a thick layer of dust on the furniture.” And the interviewed
child says: “I’ve had enough of this work, of cooking, of taking permanent
care of my sister...” (III_C_19).
The unsanitary conditions that these children live in increase the danger
of developing diseases as diarrhoea, food poisoning, infections
and parasitic diseases, which unfortunately, little children don’t know
about.
Thus, it should be concluded that:
the psycho-emotional state of tension experienced by children left behind
can generate states of de-compensation of the body with the development
of organic disorders and diseases;
- the great amount of responsibilities that are entrusted to the children
after their parents leave increases the risk of developing states of physical
exhaustion and psychological deficiencies, having negative consequences
on the health of these children and subsequently developing
pathologies;
- abusive behaviours (physical, mental, sexual) of those who take care
of children after parental migration have serious consequences on the
physical and mental health of these children;
- in the absence of parental care and vigilance, the risk that these children
would live in poor hygienic and unsanitary conditions, with the
danger of developing infections, parasitic diseases and poisoning increases.
Some of these children have insufficient knowledge and poor
hygiene habits. There is a high risk for trauma and injuries while playing
without any supervision from adults.
• Food habits of children left behind
Many interviewees said that the improved financial situation of families,
including better nutrition, is among the main benefits parental migration
has. “My mom left because there was no money to raise us. We needed
money for clothing, food, for school. We lived in a house that we never paid
for. Now she sent money and we bought it... My mom sent money and my
dad bought a washing machine, a microwave, a TV, a PC. He also bought 2
cars – a big and a small one. He drives them both, with the big one he delivers
firewood in the village” (III_C_6). It is obvious that the life of this family
has significantly improved.
Still, there were cases identified of children starving due to the lack of
parental care. “My best friend lives without parents. They are both abroad.
We see each other every day, and she’s starving...” (FG_C_3_rural).
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