Urgent Appeal for the Repatriation of Moldovan Citizen Rodica Vizitiu and Her Three Children from Gaza
D
ear Madam President,
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Dear Mr. Minister,
We, the undersigned, urgently call on the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safe repatriation of Moldovan citizen Rodica Vizitiu and her three minor children, all of whom are currently trapped in Gaza, in an area of active armed conflict and extreme humanitarian crisis.
Current Situation
For more than a year, Rodica Vizitiu and her children have been stranded in Gaza, daily exposed to life-threatening dangers amidst escalating violence, famine, and the collapse of essential infrastructure. Following the tragic killing of her husband by Israeli Defense Forces during a military operation, the family has been left without any form of protection or support.
Despite repeated appeals for assistance, the family has received no effective response or concrete support from Moldovan authorities. Meanwhile, we observe that citizens of other countries, including Romania, are being periodically evacuated through the coordinated efforts of their respective governments.
Legal Framework and State Obligation
According to Article 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova,
“Citizens of the Republic of Moldova benefit from the protection of the state both in the country and abroad.”
Furthermore, Law No. 36/2016 on Consular Activity mandates the Moldovan state to assist and protect its citizens abroad, particularly in crisis zones and armed conflict areas.
Our Requests
In light of the above, we respectfully and urgently request the following:
Direct intervention by the President of the Republic of Moldova to initiate and facilitate the immediate evacuation of Rodica Vizitiu and her children from Gaza.
Mobilization of all diplomatic and consular resources to coordinate with international humanitarian organizations, partner states, and relevant authorities to secure a safe humanitarian corridor for their evacuation.
Provision of full consular support, including assistance with travel documents and other logistical necessities required for their safe return.
Transparent and consistent communication with both the Vizitiu family and the signatories of this petition, providing updates on the actions taken and progress achieved.
Development of a reintegration plan for the family upon their return to Moldova, including access to psychological, medical, and social assistance services.
Moral Responsibility
The Moldovan state carries not only a legal duty but also a moral responsibility to protect its citizens, especially vulnerable women and children, in times of peril. In moments such as these, decisive leadership can mean the difference between life and death.
Each day of delay places Rodica and her three children at increasing risk. As other nations act to safeguard their citizens, it is unacceptable for Moldovan citizens to be left behind in one of the most dangerous places on earth today.
We trust that you will treat this appeal with the utmost urgency and seriousness, in line with Moldova’s constitutional and humanitarian obligations.
With deep respect and hope for swift and compassionate action,
Citizens of the Republic of Moldova
Alexandra Moraru Contact the author of the petition