Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06OSLO730
2006-06-07 11:23:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

NORWAY: TIP REPORT, TRAFFICKING AND SOLICITATION

Tags:  PHUM PREL PGOV SMIG NO KCRM KWMN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0050
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #0730 1581123
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 071123Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4115
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)
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