TIP Film Screening Prompts Discussion of GOB's Anti-TIP

UNCLAS MINSK 001031 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BO SUBJECT: TIP Film Screening Prompts Discussion of GOB's Anti-TIP Efforts ¶1. (U) Summary: Pol/Econ Chief recently hosted a film screening of a U.S.-produced investigative documentary on victims of trafficking in persons (TIP) for independent journalists and leading members of the NGO community. The participants praised the film for its poignant presentation of the global problem of TIP, but objected to the portrayal of trafficked women as "stereotypical prostitutes". During the roundtable discussion after the film on anti-TIP efforts in Belarus, the participants commended the GOB's efforts to combat TIP but stressed the government must allocate more funding to TIP-related programs and services. End Summary. Reaction to the Film -------------- ¶2. (U) On September 13, Pol/Econ Chief hosted a screening of the PBS special, "Frontline: Sex Slaves", an investigative documentary about victims trafficked from Eastern Europe into forced prostitution in Turkey. While applauding the producers for so poignantly portraying the problem of TIP, attending journalists and representatives of NGOs and international organizations objected to the film's portrayal of trafficked women as "stereotypical prostitutes," arguing that trafficked victims have varied looks and physical features. Participants Rate Governments' Effectiveness in Combating TIP -------------- -------------- ¶3. (U) After the film presentation, Pol/Econ Chief led a roundtable discussion on the effectiveness of civil society and governments in combating TIP. They acknowledged that combating TIP was a GOB priority and cited the numerous laws and state programs the GOB initiated within the past year. Several NGO leaders, however, claimed existing TIP legislation was poorly implemented. Shelters exist to help victims, but there was little funding to properly staff them, in large part because of the lack of appropriations in the budget in addition to the GOB's limitations on foreign technical assistance. In response, U.N. Development Program, International Organization for Migration, and Belarusian anti-TIP NGO LaStrada opened rehabilitation shelters for victims and their families to supplement the GOB shelters. ¶4. (U) LaStrada and IOM representatives agreed that overall awareness about the problem of trafficking has increased among the population, as evidenced by the high volume of calls received by the trafficking hotlines. However, social stigmas associating victims of trafficking as prostitutes remain and make it difficult for victims to obtain help and for border guards to properly identify victims. ¶5. (U) The participants praised the cooperation they received from foreign governments, especially from the USG, but added that these governments should work to decrease demand within their own countries for TIP victims. Comment -------------- ¶6. (SBU) This film screening provided an opportunity for the leading members of the anti-TIP community in Belarus to come together and evaluate the progress that has been made in the country. As in the past, the major complaints with the GOB were lack of support to NGOs and poor implementation of the existing anti-TIP legislation. Perhaps in addition to seeking international support for their U.N. draft resolution "Improving coordination of efforts against TIP," Belarusian leaders should simultaneously seek to establish solid partnerships with the NGOs in its own country that are already committed to eradicating the problem. Stewart