36 CAMEL JOCKEYS REPATRIATED FROM UAE

UNCLAS DHAKA 004102 SIPDIS G/TIP, INL/CTR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KCRM BG SUBJECT: 36 CAMEL JOCKEYS REPATRIATED FROM UAE ¶1. (SBU) On August 11, 36 Bangladeshi boys who were used as camel jockeys in the UAE were repatriated to Bangladesh. They were the first batch to return under an agreement the UAE signed in May with UNICEF. More than 150 boys are expected to return in several phases with assistance from UNICEF and the International Organization of Migration (IOM). ¶2. (SBU) Home Minister of State Babar told local press, "We will try our best to identify the parents and rehabilitate them in their homes." Until the parents are located, however, the boys will stay at the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) shelter in Dhaka. Local media reported that Babar gave the Ministry of Social Welfare responsibility for the boys whose parents could not be identified. ¶3. (SBU) BNWLA Director Salma Ali told us that a cell comprising representatives from UNICEF, IOM, local NGO's, and the BDG will monitor the use of the $1,000 per child the UAE government is giving the BDG for rehabilitation of the children. According to Ali, 19 more boys are scheduled to return to Dhaka shortly. CHAMMAS