JUSTICE MINISTRY REQUESTS SPECIFIC TIP TRAINING

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001883

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARP, G/TIP/MLAGON, AND G/TIP/GPATEL
ALSO FOR INL, DRL, L/DL, NEA/RA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL ELAB KCRM PGOV AE
SUBJECT: JUSTICE MINISTRY REQUESTS SPECIFIC TIP TRAINING

REFS: A) ABU DHABI 1820 (UAE training reminders)

B) ABU DHABI 1687 (Ambassador Lagon's visit)


1. This is an action request cable.


2. Summary: The UAE Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has requested
specific training for judges and prosecutors in implementing of its
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) law. For a training workshop in
February, 2008, MoJ is looking for advice from practitioners with a
wealth of case-specific knowledge to share with UAE judicial
officials; MoJ makes the point that it is not interested in mere
"seminars" or "lectures" on TIP, but in practical help in
implementing a strong anti-trafficking regime. End summary.


3. MoJ Under Secretary for International Cooperation Abdul Rahim
al-Awadi (who joined Amb Lagon's meetings with the Minister of
Justice cited ref B) asked the DCM and Pol Chief November 11 for
assistance in identifying expert trainers to participate in an
anti-TIP workshop in the UAE February 24-28 (two days each in Abu
Dhabi and Dubai). Al-Awadi was adamant that the need is for
"experts and practitioners" and not general presentations on the
dynamics of TIP.


4. The training workshops are designed to assist judges,
prosecutors, and investigators in implementing the UAE's new TIP
law. MoJ wants to benefit from the case studies of experts who have
direct experience in implementing similar laws -- how to "sift" and
"differentiate" victims from criminals, for example, and how to ask
the right questions to ascertain the hidden dynamics of a TIP case.
Ascertaining the shadowy presence of organized crime networks in the
background is also a goal. Presenters are asked to share their
expertise primarily through case studies to a group of 30 to 40 UAE
participants (with simultaneous interpretation). Particular
expertise requested of the U.S. is divided into four topics, at two
sessions. Each topic will be addressed by one speaker in a
45-minute presentation, followed by 45 minutes of case studies.

--- Session: Investigative Methods and Techniques of Human
Trafficking Crimes
Topic #1: How to detect human trafficking crimes
Topic #2: Investigative techniques of human trafficking crimes

--- Session: Treatment and Interrogation of Victims of Human
Trafficking Crimes
Topic #1: Treatment of victims before the police and administrative
authorities
Topic #2: Interrogating victims before the judicial authorities


5. In the context of seeking experts with significant case
experience, MoJ wants to build its capacity to implement the TIP
law. The UAE will be seeking UN participation as well (the UAE
donated $15 million to UNODC earlier this year). Al-Awadi noted
Ambassador Lagon's stated desire to assist with training during his
September meeting with the Minister, and hoped the U.S. experience
could have application in the UAE via training provided by judges,
prosecutors, and investigators who deal with TIP on a daily basis
and could share their expert "on the job" knowledge with Emirati
colleagues. He did not address funding for travel costs, which the
UAE might be willing to provide if the USG offers appropriate
experts for the program.


6. Comment: Post strongly endorses this request. While UAE
training needs are varied, and some requirements might be fulfilled
by non-governmental organizations, this particular request leans
towards the practical experience of federal or state officials with
hands-on knowledge of how to implement anti-TIP legislation. Post
looks forward to further coordination with G/TIP on possible sources
of expertise. End comment.

SISON