CASA ALIANZA IN GUATEMALA

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 003265 SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN PHUM SMIG EAID SNAR GT SUBJECT: CASA ALIANZA IN GUATEMALA REF: A. STATE 269517 ¶B. GUATEMALA 2845 ¶1. We strongly support the work of Casa Alianza's Guatemalan operation and are pleased that their work continues unabated in light of the issues raised in ref (A). As we reported in the ref (B) Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Update, Casa Alianza is a critical component of Guatemala's anti-TIP activities. The National Civilian Police (PNC) depend on Casa Alianza's intelligence to conduct raids and on Casa Alianza's shelter facilities to care for rescued victims. No other organization is willing or able to fill Casa Alianza's role in Guatemala. ¶2. We maintain an on-going relationship with Casa Alianza Guatemala. Both in the immediate aftermath of the Bruce Harris crisis and over the past week, we discussed the issue with local director Arturo Echevarria and other Casa Alianza staff. They noted that many of their contacts called to express support rather than concern immediately following the news of the Bruce Harris case. Press coverage of the case here focused on Harris as an individual rather than on Casa Alianza as an institution. Although reactions here have not harmed the reputation of the local institution, staff fear that the case will adversely affect fundraising in the United States, the major source of Casa Alianza Guatemala's resources. ¶3. Local staff confirm that there are no allegations of similar misconduct against any Casa Alianza Guatemala employee. The institution has a strict prohibition on non-professional relationships between staff and clients, and this policy was reviewed and reaffirmed by all employees following the Harris case. HAMILTON