DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TIP ACTION PLAN DELIVERED

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 004226 SIPDIS FOR G/TIP, WHA/CAR, WHA/PPC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN OPRC PHUM PREL SMIG DR SUBJECT: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TIP ACTION PLAN DELIVERED REF: STATE 152732 ¶1. On Wednesday August 24, the Charge hosted, at the Embassy, a roundtable discussion on trafficking in persons. The twenty two government and non-government participants included the MFA Ambassador for Women's and Children's Affairs, the Chief of Naval Intelligence, the Assistant Attorney General for Trafficking in Persons, the Chief of the Police Anti-TIP Unit, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, and the Legal Advisor to the Anti-TIP Unit of the Migration Directorate. The meeting brought our TIP contacts together to discuss the progress of their anti-TIP efforts. The Charge highlighted USG expectations and presented the USG draft plan of action (ref). ¶2. After welcoming the participants, the Charge explained the purpose of the meeting, reminded participants of the tier structure of TIP categories, defined Tier 3 and its implications, and emphasized USG expectations of the Dominican government. Each participant received a Spanish translation of the TIP action plan. ¶3. All invitees actively participated in the discussion. Assistant Attorney General for TIP Frank Soto cited specific trafficking cases under investigation or prosecution. The Police representative for anti-TIP Alejandro Germosen listed cases in process. MFA Ambassador for Women's and Children's Affairs Chiqui Vicioso expressed their commitment to assisting TIP victims and said the ministry is coordinating with the NGO FINJUS. The MFA has created a new department that is working to develop statistics and revitalize their consular networks. ¶4. Embassy officers will call individually on participating officers over the next month to gather further information and encourage further vigorous action. HERTELL