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