TAIWAN: TIP TIER 2 WATCH LIST POINTS DELIVERED

UNCLAS TAIPEI 002859 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV TW SUBJECT: TAIWAN: TIP TIER 2 WATCH LIST POINTS DELIVERED REF: STATE 132274 ¶1. (U) Post delivered reftel talking points and non-paper to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Director General of North American Affairs Leo C.J. Lee on August 17. Per reftel instructions, post emphasized that Taiwan was placed on the Tier 2 watch list for failing to show evidence of increasing efforts over the past year to address trafficking problems, especially relating to forced labor and sexual servitude among legally migrating Southeast Asian contract workers and brides. Post also stressed that the first set of non-paper recommendations were "must do" items if Taiwan is to be removed from the Tier 2 watch list. ¶2. (U) Post informed Director Lee that AIT is required to submit an interim assessment of Taiwan's progress toward redressing these and other anti-trafficking shortcomings, but stipulated that re-assessment of tier rankings would not occur until next year. Post further advised that AIT will be working directly with other Taiwan authorites and non-governmental organizations to prepare the interim assessment and final report. Director Lee noted that MOFA is not directly involved in Taiwan's anti-trafficking efforts, but offered MOFA's assistance in coordinating meetings and communications with the Executive and Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Justice, the Council of Labor Affairs, and other Taiwan agencies involved in anti-TIP efforts. MOFA/NAA Fourth Section Chief Constance Wang said Taiwan authorities could benefit from direct contact with their USG anti-trafficking counterparts through in-person or video conferencing. YOUNG