Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ASUNCION742
2005-06-06 13:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Asuncion
Cable title:  

PARAGUAY ON TIP REPORT, NEXT STEPS

Tags:  OPRC KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG PA KCRM 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS ASUNCION 000742 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/BSC, GTIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG PA KCRM
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON TIP REPORT, NEXT STEPS

REF: STATE 97687

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000742

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/BSC, GTIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG PA KCRM
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ON TIP REPORT, NEXT STEPS

REF: STATE 97687


1. On 6/2, Polcouns shared with Julio Peralta, the MFA's
Director of International Organizations, an advance copy of
the 2005 TIP report on Paraguay. Drawing from reftel points,
Polcouns noted significant progress Paraguay had made in
combating TIP particularly with regard to successful
prosecution of traffickers, greater coordination and
collaboration among key players, and creation of a
rehabilitation center. Paraguay needed to do more to step up
prosecutions, increase public awareness, and improve services
for victims. Peralta, as chair of an interagency
coordination group on TIP, was central to GOP efforts to
improve Paraguay's record on combating this problem. He
appreciated the report's recognition of the progress Paraguay
had made and was pleased with the decision to remove Paraguay
from the Watch List.


2. On 6/8, Paraguay will inaugurate a Rehabilitation Center
for victims of trafficking. The center will be staffed by
psychologists, sociologists, and lawyers dedicated to helping
TIP victims recover from their traumatic experiences and
reintegrate into society. It will also sponsor workshops to
raise the awareness of TIP and how to deal with the problem
in local communities. The U.S. has provided approximately
USD 30,000 to prepare the facility for use and procure
computers, furniture, and other equipment and materials.


3. In a 5/31 discussion with Nancy Ortega, the Center's
Director, on preparations to open the center, Polcouns
stressed the importance the U.S. placed on prevention of
trafficking and prosecution of traffickers as necessary
complementary measures to protection of victims. The Women's
Ministry (MOW) is involved in efforts to repatriate 29
Paraguayans from Encarnacion, Paraguay discovered recently
working in a brothel in Cordoba, Argentina. All traveled
willingly to Argentina crossing the border without
inspection. However, while some traveled knowing they would
work as prostitutes; many were misled and did not learn what
they were getting into until they arrived in Cordoba.
Polcouns drew attention to the need for Paraguay to center
prevention efforts in vulnerable communities such as
Encarnacion and to investigate and prosecute aggressively
traffickers implicated in this particular case.


4. Ortega described MOW efforts to develop a publicity
campaign with U.S. funds consisting of flyers, posters and
radio and newspaper spots carefully targeted at vulnerable
communities. She agreed prosecution of traffickers was key
to addressing the problem of impunity. She noted that many
of the women from Encarnacion do not want to press charges
for fear of reprisals. However, she indicated at least one
woman's family had expressed interest in discussing with
prosecutors the possibility of pressing charges. Post will
report septel as more information on this case becomes
available upon return of the women to Paraguay.
KEANE