DEMARCHE TO MACAU ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L HONG KONG 003400 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS NSC FOR DENNIS WILDER NSC FOR TONG DEPT FOR EAP/CM E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2031 TAGS: PHUM PINR PGOV HK CH KCRM KWMN PREL SMIG MC SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO MACAU ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REF: SECSTATE 128178 Classified By: DPO Marlene Sakaue. REASONS: 1.4(b,d). ¶1. (C) On August 15, poloffs delivered Ref demarche on trafficking in persons (TIP) to Deputy Director Patricia Ferreira of Macau's International Law Office. Ferreira reacted positively to the recommendations contained in the nonpaper about how Macau could improve its TIP tier rating and agreed to convey the information to other concerned agencies and officials. That said, however, she observed that her office could not implement these measures independently, and suggested that we raise the issue at a higher level with both Secretary for Administration and Justice Florinda Chan and Legislative Assembly President Susana Chou. Ferreira believed that Chan, who is one of the founders of the Association of Women of Macau, has a strong interest in women's issues and could be convinced to pursue some of the recommendations. Similarly, Ferreira said Chou would react positively to high-level recommendations. ¶2. (C) In view of Ferreira's recommendations, we plan to raise reftel's suggested MSARG actions with Macau Chief Executive Edmund Ho, Secretary Chan, and/or Legislative Assembly President Chou at the earliest opportunity. Cunningham