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
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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
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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
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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