ECUADOR COMMITED TO USG TIP RECOMMENDATIONS

UNCLAS QUITO 002571

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/PPC, WHA/AND, AND G/TIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL EC
SUBJECT: ECUADOR COMMITED TO USG TIP RECOMMENDATIONS

REF: A. SECSTATE 194082


B. SECSTATE 200150


1. PolOff delivered reftel talking points including elements
of a USG-supported action plan to combat TIP, to Carlos
Jativa, the Minister of Government Raul Baca's assistant, on
September 16. In a follow-up meeting with PolOff on
September 20, Baca and Jativa concurred with the Tier 2 Watch
List action plan requirements. PolOff informed the Minister
that the Embassy is required to provide the Department a
report of Ecuador's actions by November 15.


2. Baca described his Ministry's proposal to open new
shelters for TIP victims in Guayaquil and Quito and requested
USG financial support. (The proposal was faxed to WHA/PPC on
September 22.) He said he will also solicit support from
other international donors, including UNICEF. Baca told the
PolOff he was working with Congress to ensure
anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) legislation is passed;
President of Congress Landazuria assured him TIP legislation
would be among Congress' priorities. The Ministry is also
working with the police to develop an online method of
reporting crimes of child pornography.


3. On September 21, PolOff delivered refel talking points to
Denys Toscano in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Toscano
said the MFA would strive to provide input on GOE progress on
items in the action plan before November 15. He is concerned
the Ministry of Government's anti-TIP legislation is too
narrow and that it does not make sufficient reference to the
Palermo Convention and international protocols. We are
reviewing the legislation to ensure it meets international
standards.
KENNEY