CEREMONY MARKS SIGNING OF 2005 TIP GRANTS AND

UNCLAS DAKAR 001587 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP, INL, AF/W, AF/RSA, AND DRL/PHD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV SG SUBJECT: CEREMONY MARKS SIGNING OF 2005 TIP GRANTS AND RELEASE OF 2006 TIP REPORT FOR SENEGAL SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Ambassador Jacobs presided over a ceremony to mark the signing of eight grants to GOS offices and NGOs actively involved in fighting trafficking in persons (TIP). The event also brought together key member of the anti-TIP community to note release of the annual TIP Report, as well as recognize the two "TIP Heroes" selected from Senegal in 2005 and 2006. END SUMMARY. AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES TIP REPORT AND RECOGNIZES TIP HEROES -------------- -------------- ¶2. The Ambassador opened the ceremony by saying GOS efforts to fight trafficking were responsible for boosting Senegal from Tier Two Watch List to Tier Two in 2005. She pointed out to the overflowing audience, as did the 2006 Report, that much remains to be done, especially in the areas of prevention, enforcement and victim assistance. Ambassador Jacobs also acknowledged the exceptional work done by Minister of Women, Family, and Social Development Aida Mbodj, chosen as 2005 "TIP Hero," and Director of Avenir de l'Enfant ("Future of the Child") Moussa Sow, chosen as 2006 "TIP Hero." ¶3. Mamadou Lamine Fofona from the Office of the Senegalese High Commissioner for Human Rights followed the Ambassador with a speech describing trafficking as an important "social and economic phenomenon." He said the GOS wants to coordinate inter-ministerial approaches in this domain, put in place a national monitoring center and expand regional efforts. Mar Lo, Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Women, said President Wade wants to fully engage Senegal in the fight against trafficking -- "without reserve." He added the anti-trafficking law passed in April 2005 is currently being integrated into the penal code. Both speakers praised U.S. support for Senegal's attempts to end trafficking in persons. Moussa Sow, visibly moved by his selection as a "TIP Hero," had the final word: "Today, children in this country suffer and are being used by adults for economic gain." He said those present at the ceremony want to ensure a better future for Senegal, ensuring a better future for the world. USD 218,000 IN GRANTS TO THOSE COMBATING TIP -------------- ¶4. The event concluded with signing of contracts representing USD 218,000 in funds offered to bolster the work of six NGOs and the two offices at the forefront of GOS efforts to combat trafficking. The program was featured on national news and in the press. "Le Populaire", a leading independent daily, described the contents of the 2006 Report and stressed there is room for progress in ending trafficking in Senegal. JACOBS