UNFPA, Chisinau, July 9, 2010 – Considering the ongoing 2010 phase of global round of population censuses which runs between 2005 and 2014, Moldova should take strong action in order to successfully conduct the census during this period. This is the message UNFPA in Moldova expresses in connection with the World Population Day, traditionally celebrated on July 11. UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, is the leading international development agency that supports global census and calls decision makers in Moldova to expedite planning and conducting of the census.

“Census data are crucial for service planning in education, medicine, public transport, for developing policies based on forecasts of population and for evaluation of their effectiveness. Counting all family members during census helps them to benefit from better social services: quality education for young people, jobs for adults and better health services for the elderly”, said Valentina Buliga, Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Family.

In the Republic of Moldova, the last population census was conducted in October 2004. According to UN and EUROSTAT’s recommendations, the period between censuses should not exceed 10 years, so the next census in Moldova should be held no later than 2014, the limit year in the current round of censuses.

“The decision and commitment of the Government to conduct a new census in Moldova are essential at this stage. To obtain quality information it is necessary that census is planned in advance and comply with international recommendations in this area. Quality information on population is essential for progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals”, said Boris Gilca, UNFPA Moldova Deputy Representative.
According to Lucia Spoiala, Director General of National Bureau of Statistics, a part of the population perceives census in the wrong way believing it is another method the Government uses to find out if everyone pays taxes. Others consider that the data can be manipulated, so the lack of information concerning future census should be eliminated through good communication and information. “People should know that the census will follow international guidelines in this area, questions will be clear and the results will be anonymous. Only this will ensure more active participation of population in the census and will allow us to obtain accurate and relevant data to country's future”.

 Globally, in 2010, it is planned to conduct censuses in 60 countries and regions, which will cover 41% of the world population. By the end of 2014, when the current round of censuses will be ended, it is expected that 98.4% of the world will have gone through this process.

World Population Day, which brings the census issue into the public agenda in 2010, was established by the United Nations in 1987 aiming to focus governments’ attention on urgency and importance of population issues.

MEDIA KIT:

The Secretary-General Message on World Population Day

Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director, Message for World Population Day 2010

USEFUL LINKS 

 » Census in the World

 » US Census Bureau international database