PANAMA: ADDITIONAL PROJECT FOR FY 2006

UNCLAS PANAMA 000340

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN
PRM SONIA DENTZEL
G/TIP ANTHONY ETERNO AMY O'NEILL RICHARD
WHA/PPC MIKE PUCCETTI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KWMN KCRM PHUM ASEC ELAB SMIG
SUBJECT: PANAMA: ADDITIONAL PROJECT FOR FY 2006
SOLICITATION FOR ESF ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT

REF: A. 05 STATE 221418


B. 06 PANAMA 00295

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SUMMARY
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1. (U) Panama is pleased to submit an FY 2006 anti-TIP
project proposal additional to that contained in reftel B.
The proposal comes from the Panamanian Attorney General's
Office (PGR) and asks for $125,000 to purchase computer
systems, faxes, and digital cameras for the 11 Prosecuting
Attorneys in Panama responsible for TIP cases. The GOP would
use part of the grant for classes and training on the new
computer systems. The proposal would also fund instructional
classes to Panamanian police, judges, social workers, and
prosecuting attorneys on how to apply Panama's anti-TIP law.
Although the Government of Panama (GOP) is committed to
combating TIP, funding for projects is very limited. Lack of
modern computer equipment for processing cases and sharing
information is a problem for Panamanian prosecutors. Also,
the PGR needs to provide more TIP training for GOP personnel,
especially those located in rural areas. Department funding
will encourage Panama to continue its anti-TIP efforts. End
summary.


2. (U) The PGR has requested ESF funding for the following
project:


A. Title of Project: Computer Modernization and Legal
Training Program for TIP Prosecuting Attorneys in Panama


B. Name of Recipient Organization: Attorney General of Panama


C. Duration of Project: 12 months


D. Description of Project (including objectives, activities
and sustainability,)

The overall objective of this project is to assist TIP
prosecuting attorneys in Panama by purchasing updated
computer systems and providing training on their use. The
second part of this project would provide anti-TIP training
for GOP officials.

Objectives: Panama currently has 11 prosecuting attorneys
for TIP throughout the country. Many of these offices,
especially those in rural areas, lack modern office
equipment. The purchase of two computers with internet
access, two printers, one fax, and one digital camera for
each of the 11 prosecutors would allow prosecutors to
document and process TIP cases quicker. Faxes and email
connections provided by internet capable computers would also
allow information sharing and quicker communications between
prosecutors and the Attorney General's office. The GOP will
also provide training on the use of the new computer
equipment in the offices that receive it. Digital cameras
would enable those involved in anti-TIP efforts to share
photographs of TIP victims and suspects. Finally, Panama has
a continuos need to train police, prosecutors, and social
workers who work with TIP victims and have legal
responsibility for these cases.

Activities: Purchase of computer equipment and training on
its use for prosecuting attorneys.

Conduct anti-TIP training sessions for GOP
officials to develop a basic understanding of investigations
and legal proceedings.

Sustainability: In 2005, Panama more than doubled its
arrests for sexual trafficking. Panama's Attorney General
has taken the lead on addressing TIP issues. This project
will allow Panama's Attorney General to train more government
officials on TIP and allow these officials to do their jobs
more efficiently.


E. Justification: Panama is ranked as Tier 2 in the U.S.
Trafficking in Persons report. Panama has limited resources
to conduct anti-TIP operations and training. Lack of modern
office equipment for prosecutors is a major problem. This
project will allow the PGR to use state of the art equipment
to conduct investigations in a more efficient manner. This
project will also allow Panama to fund much needed training
for investigators, prosecutors, and social workers who assist
TIP victims.



F. Performance Indicators: PGR will monitor purchase and
usage of new computer equipment, faxes and digital cameras
and schedule users for training. PGR will also establish
milestones for the number of persons to be trained.


G. Evaluation Plan: The Attorney General's office will
monitor the purchase of equipment and the administration of
training. Embassy will meet with PGR every three months to
verify that the program is going as planned.


H. Budget Breakout:

Computer Equipment $60,000

Training Seminars/meetings $65,000


Grand total for project $125,000


I. Type and amount of host government contribution or other
cost sharing arrangement if any: PGR will arrange for
installation and delivery of equipment. PGR will also
schedule training events and monitor the numbers of persons
attending these events.


J. Proposed funding mechanism: Cooperative agreement


K. Embassy point of contact: Richard J. O'Shea, Political
Section, (507) 202-7183, oshearj@state.gov


L. Other donors, if any: None.




EATON