Results Report: ITT "Trafficking in

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 QUITO 002890 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ECA/PE/V/G/W, WHA/PDA; WHA/AND GUAYAQUIL FOR NOUHRA E.O. 12958: TAGS: SCUL KPAO OEXC EC SUBJECT: Results Report: ITT "Trafficking in Persons," October 7-November 4 REFTEL: Quito 1386 ¶1. Summary: The two participants reported the trip was extremely useful and well-designed, and generated many ideas they hope to implement in Ecuador. Though the U.S. has far greater resources, the participants felt that the root problem is the same and the methods for dealing with the issue are applicable in both countries. The visitors have a lengthy list of contacts and follow- up activities they plan to pursue. End Summary. ¶2. Date: October 7-November 4, 2005, first quarter, FY ¶06. ¶3. MPP Theme and Audience Reached: Democracy, Combating Trafficking in Persons (TIPs). As leaders on TIPS issues within the national Police and in the Ministry of Government, the participants have the potential to shape anti-trafficking policy at the national level. ¶4. Justification and Objective: See reftel. ¶5. Description of Activity: Three-week ITT for Ecuador on Trafficking in Persons. The visitors traveled to Washington, D.C.; Seattle, WA; Houston, TX; San Diego, CA and Tallahassee, FL. ¶6. Result/Impact: Excellent. Highlights follow: Nelly Jacome, who is Director of Gender Issues at the Ministry of Government, and Major Mery Jimenez, who leads the police unit dedicated to child protection, said they learned a great deal about trafficking issues and about the U.S. in general. There were enthusiastic about maintaining contact with U.S. counterparts, implementing changes in Ecuador and building a stronger anti-trafficking network both within Ecuador and throughout Latin America. Both commented that though the U.S. has far greater resources to implement anti-trafficking programs and assist victims, the problem is essentially the same in both countries. They were somewhat surprised that the U.S. also has trouble estimating the extent of the trafficking problem, just as does Ecuador. They were impressed by the degree of coordination among NGOs and government at all levels, though they recognized that at times communication does break down between local and federal government. Jimenez noted that NGOs are independent, yet benefit from government support in many areas. She discussed the need in Ecuador to improve coordination and sharing of information between government entities and NGOs assisting victims. Though they found virtually all their meetings useful, they found meetings with police in San Diego and border patrol agents in Houston to be especially interesting. They also commented that they found the work of an NGO in Seattle dedicated to promote women's participation in the political process to be inspiring. Jacome hopes to bring members of the NGO to Ecuador in the next year to conduct workshops. She also was impressed by the level of personal commitment on the part of those involved in anti-trafficking issues. The women also enjoyed meeting with many female representatives of law enforcement agencies, government entities and NGOs. Jacome is pursuing joint projects with many of the NGOs with whom she met. She also hopes to instigate a study to capture the extent of human trafficking in Ecuador so that those combating the problem can better focus their efforts. Jimenez is working to organize a Latin America conference on trafficking issues for police from throughout the region. She also noted the need to better use the advantages Ecuador has in comparison to the U.S. - for example, Ecuador has one national police force, which should simplify coordination on trafficking issues. The visitors had three suggestions for improving the program. First, they said they would have liked to end their visit in Washington because during the program they formed many questions they would have liked to pose to their Washington interlocutors. Second, they would suggest a visit to a shelter for trafficking victims (however, they emphasized that their meeting with shelter officials was excellent and that they understood the need to protect the privacy of victims by keeping the shelter itself off limits to outsiders). Finally, they noted that there was little time for cultural activities since by the time meetings ended, museums and similar institutions were closed. They also did not have an opportunity to enjoy home hospitality, which they would have enjoyed (Note: The visitors arrived two days late due to visa issuance delays. In addition, the planned program in Miami had to be moved to Tallahassee at the last minute because of a hurricane. These may have been factors in the lack of time for purely cultural activities or home hospitality.) ¶7. Media Coverage: N/A. ¶8. Non-USG Support: N/A. ¶9. Quality of Support: Excellent. The visitors said the entire program was well-organized and the logistical support excellent. They said the program in Tallahassee was very good despite the fact that it had been arranged at the last minute due to the hurricane disrupting the planned program in Miami. JEWELL