NORWAY: TIP REPORT, TRAFFICKING AND SOLICITATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000730 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/07/2016 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV SMIG NO KCRM KWMN SUBJECT: NORWAY: TIP REPORT, TRAFFICKING AND SOLICITATION REF: A. STATE 85514 ¶B. OSLO 688 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Mike Hammer, reasons 1.4(b) and (d) 1.(U) On June 7 we delivered reftel points to Tobia Svenningsen, Adviser in the MFA's OSCE Affairs Section. Svenningsen thanked us for the points, and discussed possible revisions to Norway's existing treatment of trafficking victims and criminalizing solicitation. 2.(C) Svenningsen noted that a new governmental Action Plan dealing with trafficking will likely be introduced in September. Though he could not provide many specifics, Svenningsen believes the Plan will "update existing policies" and reflect initiatives of the current Left/Center coalition government. He envisioned that the Plan will assist trafficking victims by extending the "reflection period" (the legal period when trafficking victims are allowed to remain in Norway) to six months, while also increasing social support of victims. Unlike asylum seekers, current trafficking victims have little access to the social medical system, and receive smaller governmental financial support. According to Svenningsen, Norway will look to other countries (particular the U.S.) as legislative changes are considered. He noted any governmental initiative must confront popular concerns that increasing assistance to trafficking victims will also invite bogus claimants seeking generous Norwegian welfare support. 3.(C) Svenningsen also spoke of the recent popular mood to criminalize the solicitation of prostitutes. He pointed out that Norway's Labor Party (which is one of the political parties in the ruling coalition) recently voted to criminalize solicitation. He stated that this "is not part of the current government policy...yet." If Finland elects to criminalize solicitation, Svenningsen predicts that Norway would have to do the same, stating that "Norway cannot be the only country in the North" which allows solicitation. Visit Oslo's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/oslo/index.cf m WHITNEY