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