TIP IN TURKEY: EMERGENCY HOTLINE OPERATIONAL

UNCLAS ANKARA 006691

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP, G. INL, INL/CTR, DRL, EUR/PGI, EUR/SE
DEPARTMENT FOR VALERIE KWOK USAID E&E/ECA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM PHUM PGOV SMIG PREF KWMN TU TIP IN TURKEY
SUBJECT: TIP IN TURKEY: EMERGENCY HOTLINE OPERATIONAL
(90-0800-211-6065)

REF: A. ANK 6690

B. ANK 6688

C. ANK 6687


1. (U) On December 2, 2004, Turk Telekom connected Turkey's
first toll-free hotline (90-0800-211-6065) for victims of
human trafficking. Human Resources Development Foundation
(HRDF) staff will initially field calls from 8:00 A.M. to
5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday until Russian- and
Turkish-language professional and volunteer
counselor-operators are available to extend the hours of
operation. According to Executive Director and Hotline
Administrator Demet Gural, HRDF is currently interviewing
applicants.


2. (U) HRDF Trafficking officer Tugba Dunder answered Emboff
phone call to the hotline, verifying that the line is
connected. Operators are physically located at HRDF
Istanbul, a permanent location away from the temporary
Istanbul shelter facility. The toll-free number is
accessible nationwide.


3. (U) Where the opportunity exists, Post encourages TIP
officers in source and surrounding countries to share the TIP
emergency hotline number (90-0800-211-6065) with local
anti-TIP NGOs, consulates, and other organizations capable of
distributing the number to potential trafficking victims
bound for Turkey.
EDELMAN