AMBASSADOR DELIVERS TIP TIER 2 WATCH LIST ACTION

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 001424 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MLS, G/TIP AND EAP/RSP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL CB KWMN SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DELIVERS TIP TIER 2 WATCH LIST ACTION PLAN TO DPM SAR KHENG REF: SECSTATE 123359 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. On August 4, the Ambassador delivered the Tier 2 Watch List Action Plan demarche to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, stressing the recommendations outlined in reftel. The Ambassador added that he was concerned that Cambodia would become complacent and lose focus after doing a good job addressing the problem in 2005. The DPM agreed with the recommendations and reported that the number of arrests for TIP-related crimes is down in the first half of 2006 compared to the same period in ¶2005. The Ambassador added that Cambodian government officials could do more to publicize the problem and educate communities. The DPM agreed and proposed that the MOI organize meetings to explain human trafficking to average Cambodians who do not understand the issue. End Summary. TIP: Cambodia Cannot Become Complacent -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On August 4, the Ambassador delivered the Trafficking in Persons demarche to DPM Sar Kheng and presented copies of reftel non-paper in English and Khmei. The Ambassador went on to press the DPM to help in three areas. First, he asked the government to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions for TIP-related crimes, and to ensure the penalties correspond to the seriousness of the crimes committed by those convicted. Second, he asked that the Cambodian government demonstrate progress in combating trafficking-related corruption. Finally, the Ambassador asked the Cambodian MOI to close down more establishments that offer victims of trafficking for sale. He added that Cambodia has done a good job during the 2005 reporting period, but was concerned that Cambodia would become complacent and lose focus in the face of competing demands on law enforcement officials. ¶3. (SBU) The DPM thanked the Ambassador for his remarks and acknowledged that Cambodia needed to continue its efforts to graduate from Tier 2 Watch List status. He agreed with the recommendations and the worry that Cambodia could become less vigorous in fighting trafficking in persons. The DPM noted that a recent law enforcement report showed the number of offenders caught for TIP-related crimes is much less in the first half of 2006 than during the first six months of 2005. Sar Kheng added that MOI has received a request for cooperation with International Justice Mission (IJM) and is examining it. ¶4. (SBU) The Ambassador recommended that the MOI work more closely with NGOs like IJM, and advocated that the MOI respond positively to IJM's proposal. Furthermore, he suggested that high government officials speak out publicly against TIP. ¶5. (SBU) The DPM agreed and stated the MOI already does some public outreach, but many Cambodians do not understand human trafficking. He saw the need for the government to do a better job in explaining the TIP issue at the grassroots level to help prevent families from selling their children. He thought more joint work needed to be done by the government and NGOs to tackle society's lack of knowledge. Comment -------------- ¶6. (SBU) We also plan to present the demarche to National Police Commissioner Hok Lundy, and are working on a date/time for the meeting. Getting Hok Lundy's attention focused on TIP problems will be key to sparking greater police action. We will present the police commissioner with more specific information supplied by NGOs regarding establishments and areas of Phnom Penh suspected of TIP activity where the police could usefully devote greater attention and investigative resources. End Comment. MUSSOMELI