Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05FRANKFURT2127
2005-03-15 06:51:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Frankfurt
Cable title:  

Saarland Takes New Steps to Fight TIP

Tags:  PGOV PTER SOCI GM 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS FRANKFURT 002127 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER SOCI GM
SUBJECT: Saarland Takes New Steps to Fight TIP

REF: A) 04 FRANKFURT 6697 B) BERLIN 0692

Sensitive but unclassified; not for Internet distribution

UNCLAS FRANKFURT 002127

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER SOCI GM
SUBJECT: Saarland Takes New Steps to Fight TIP

REF: A) 04 FRANKFURT 6697 B) BERLIN 0692

Sensitive but unclassified; not for Internet distribution


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The state of Saarland has announced
several new measures targeting trafficking in persons (TIP).
These include consolidating agencies responsible for TIP
within the Interior Ministry. State Interior Minister
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer will also highlight TIP at the
upcoming conference of State Ministers for Women in June and
press for better coordination among states in implementing
national anti-TIP laws and regulations. Saarland's
initiatives reflect a growing commitment in Southwest
Germany to combating trafficking in persons. END SUMMARY.

--------------
More TIP Prosecutions in Saarland
--------------


2. (SBU) Prosecution of traffickers in Saarland is rising,
with 18 cases against traffickers in 2004; 11 in 2003; 10 in
2002; and four in 2001. State Interior Ministry officials
ascribe the development to increasing awareness of TIP and
the Saar government's heightened focus on combating
trafficking.

-------------- --------------
Interior Minister Brings TIP Agencies Under One Roof
-------------- --------------


3. (SBU) In January, Saarland Interior Minister Annegret
Kramp-Karrenbauer centralized responsibility for TIP within
the Interior Ministry in order to fight TIP more
effectively. Senior Interior Ministry officials told
Consulate representatives that the change combines units of
the Social, Justice, and Interior Ministries under a common
administration.


4. (SBU) Saarland supports an assistance center for
trafficked women in Saarbruecken (the state capital) and
works with a number of church-based NGO's to help
trafficking victims. State officials emphasize that there
will be no cuts in funding for anti-TIP programs despite
overall belt-tightening in Saarland's public sector.
Interior Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer also promised to raise
TIP at the June 2005 Conference of State Ministers for
Women. Saarland officials support increased assistance to
victims willing to testify against traffickers.

--------------
COMMENT
--------------


5. (SBU) Saarland's heightened dedication to combating TIP
reflects a growing awareness of the problem throughout
southwest Germany (ref A). Impetus for the state's
initiative comes largely from conservative Interior Minister
(and recent IV grantee) Kramp-Karrenbauer and State
Secretary Gaby Schaefer. The decision to place all TIP

SIPDIS
agencies under the authority of the Interior Ministry shows
Kramp-Karrenbauer's personal interest in the issue. With
these recent steps, the Saarland government has demonstrated
its willingness to work with the German federal government,
NGOs, and the USG to fight trafficking. END COMMENT.

BODDE