AMBASSADOR PROVIDES GOK WITH STEPS TO IMPROVE TIP

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004425

SIPDIS

FOR G/TIP, NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2015
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KU TIP
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PROVIDES GOK WITH STEPS TO IMPROVE TIP
STATUS

REF: KUWAIT 4279

Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) As a follow-up to an October 1 meeting during which
Ambassador committed to providing examples of actions taken
by Qatar and the UAE to permit their reclassification to the
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Tier 2 Watch List (reftel),
Ambassador presented a letter outlining these steps to
Foreign Minister Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al-Salem Al-Sabah on
October 15. Ambassador asked that the FM share the letter
with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of
Interior. Once again, the Ambassador emphasized that the GOK
should be a model in the region, not simply strive to move up
a notch in TIP rankings. The Ambassador also included with
the letter another copy of the action plan previously
provided to the GOK. (The text of the letter was cleared by
G/TIP, NEA/ARPI and Embassies Abu Dhabi and Doha.)


2. (C) Begin text:

Your Excellency:

Following our October 1 meeting regarding President Bush's
determination to maintain Kuwait's Tier 3 trafficking in
persons ranking, I offered to provide you with concrete steps
that the Governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
took to contribute to their Tier 2 Watch List
reclassification.

First, the Governments provided proof of trafficking-related
prosecutions. Second, both enacted laws that criminalize the
use of children younger than 18 years as camel jockeys. While
Kuwait has a ministerial decree banning the practice, the
other countries implemented laws penalizing offenders with
fines and/or imprisonment. Third, both established shelters
for trafficking victims, and rescued and repatriated victims
to their home countries in coordination with those
Governments. Fourth, both Governments outlined public
awareness campaigns, scheduled to debut this fall, to educate
expatriate workers about their labor rights.

These steps satisfied the action plan guidelines delivered to
the two Governments in June, which were similar to those
presented to your Government including: commence prosecution
of trafficking-related crimes, develop a mechanism to
identify and protect victims, establish shelters and conduct
an anti-trafficking public awareness campaign.

As I have mentioned before, I believe Kuwait should not only
compare itself to others in the region, but it should be a
model of enlightened labor relations. I have attached a copy
of the action plan previously passed to your Government. I
look forward to continuing to work together on these
important issues.

Please be assured of my highest consideration.

Sincerely,
Richard LeBaron
Ambassador

End text.



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LEBARON