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