GVN Complains TIP Report Shorts Its Efforts

UNCLAS HANOI 001555

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/BCLTV, G/TIP, and DRL

E.O. 12958: NA
TAGS: PHUM KCRM KWMN PGOV SOCI VM TIP
SUBJECT: GVN Complains TIP Report Shorts Its Efforts



1. (U) Assistant Foreign Minister Nguyen Duc Hung
complained to DCM during a June 20 meeting at the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MFA) that Vietnam's placement on Tier II
and in particular the evaluation of Vietnam's law
enforcement efforts against Trafficking in Persons do not
"truly reflect reality." He said that GVN law enforcement
agencies had asked MFA to convey their displeasure with the
report and their view that the trafficking situation is much
better than depicted. AFM Hung pointed out that the GVN
severely punishes traffickers. He also took issue with the
TIP report's mention that rehabilitation centers have been
criticized for "reeducation" and limiting victims' freedom
of movement. AFM Hung also raised the GVN working group
responsible for coordinating efforts against TIP as an
example of the SRV's seriousness in addressing the issue.


2. (U) DCM and poloff responded that some GVN law
enforcement officials contacted about TIP have painted a
much brighter picture than their colleagues in other
ministries and officials from government-sponsored mass
organizations such as the Women's Union. Also law
enforcement officials in Hanoi have been more forthright
about TIP than some of their provincial counterparts. DCM
and poloff stated that Mission officers have visited the
some of the rehabilitation facilities and believe that the
report is accurate. Poloff noted that while the GVN does
have a coordinating committee for TIP, the GVN itself has
found the mechanism ineffective and is taking steps to
improve it.
BURGHARDT