RESPONSE TO SIXTH ANNUAL ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 000836 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/MUSTAFA, G/TIP, G, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI, NEA/RA, USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PREL PREF PGOV PHUM ELAB SMIG KWBG KPAL KCRM, KWMN, KFRD, IS SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO SIXTH ANNUAL ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT REF: STATE 03836 This cable was cleared by Embassy Tel Aviv. ¶1. (SBU) No evidence exists of trafficking in persons in the West Bank or Gaza Strip, according to the PA Ministry of Labor and local NGOs. The West Bank and Gaza Strip is neither a territory of origin nor a destination for international trafficking in men, women, or children. Traffickers whose destination is Israel could attempt to use the West Bank as a transit point, but no evidence exists of attempts at such transit. Beginning August 15, 2005, the Israeli government began evacuation of all 21 settlements in Gaza, including the complete removal of more than eight thousand Israelis and military installations by September 12. PA security forces assumed overall security responsibility for Gaza. Israel initially closed the Rafah crossing in both directions; however, by mid-November the PA and Egypt controlled the Rafah border. -- The Palestinian Authority (PA) Ministry of Labor reports that it is unaware of any cases of trafficking either to, or within the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The PA security services, specifically the Preventive Security Organization and the PA police, reported no incidences of trafficking. -- Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organization, reports that no instances of trafficking in persons have come to its attention. -- The Israeli NGO, Hamoked, reports that they are unaware of any specific trafficking cases in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. ¶2. (SBU) In light of the fact that no evidence exists of any trafficking in persons to, from, or within the West Bank and Gaza Strip, neither the PA, nor any NGOs conduct any anti-trafficking activities in the West Bank or Gaza, nor does the PA provide funding to NGOs for assistance to victims. The PA does not provide any specialized training for officials to recognize trafficking. ¶3. (SBU) The Palestinian Basic Law affords equality under the law without discrimination due to race, sex, color, religion, political views or disability; however, there is no specific law outlawing trafficking in persons. Laws banning prostitution and penalties for sexual exploitation are derived from Jordanian law, including a minimum of three years imprisonment for individuals supporting prostitution. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, prostitution is not openly practiced. ¶4. (SBU) Post Human Rights Officer Marc Mellinger spent approximately two hours on the preparation of the TIP report cable. Post point of contact is Marc Mellinger, (office number) 972-2-622-7293, (fax) 972-2-624-9462. WALLES