TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR G/TIP-MANAGED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BRIDGETOWN 000471 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR G/TIP-BRESNAHAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG XL SUBJECT: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR G/TIP-MANAGED FY 2007 ESF AND INCLE FUNDS REF: STATE 28159 BRIDGETOWN 00000471 001.4 OF 003 ¶1. As instructed in reftel, Post is submitting the following four (4) project proposals for G/TIP-managed FY 2007 ESF and INCLE Funds. Full proposal narratives will be sent via email. ¶2. Name of Applicant: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) -- Office for the Eastern Caribbean Requested Funding: USD 258,405 Project Title: Preventing and Containing the Adverse Consequences of Migration and Trafficking for Children in the Eastern Caribbean Project Duration: 48 months Proposal Abstract: One of the important emerging issues which is affecting the realization of children's human rights in the Caribbean is migration and trafficking. Thus, UNICEF, as mandated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, needs to pro-actively tackle this issue with key partners in order to reduce vulnerabilities and risks for children and their families in the Eastern Caribbean region. The lack of data, weak political recognition of the problem, and the limited technical capacity available in the subregion call for more intense and concerted efforts in this regard. This proposal seeks to bolster the prevention strategies of the countries in the Eastern Caribbean while improving the efficiency of existing protection systems. The proposal seeks to thoroughly answer two major questions: What is the extent of irregular migration and human trafficking in relation to children in the Eastern Caribbean? How can there be a specific regional policy response? Through action research, dialogue with policymakers and civil society, and promotion of action plans, UNICEF will not only enhance the knowledge of policy responses in the Eastern Caribbean in order to promote a children's rights approach in the fight against child trafficking, but also help countries to take action and strengthen co-ordination and synergies to ensure a holistic response in children's best interest to the negative consequences of migration. ¶3. Name of Applicant: National Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking, St. Lucia Requested Funding: USD 35,682 Project Title: Raising Awareness of Trafficking in Persons in Saint Lucia Project Duration: 48 months 
Proposal Abstract: Human Trafficking is a growing concern in Saint Lucia, a small developing country grappling with issues of scarce economic opportunities and the resulting impact, particularly on young persons. It presents a significant challenge to all countries as organized rings of human trafficking are very often linked to other crimes, such as illegal drugs, smuggling of persons, rape and forced prostitution and other sexual crimes. Events such as the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which allows the free movement of persons throughout the region, and the growing adult entertainment industry with the demands for commercial sex workers have the potential to make Saint Lucia even more vulnerable to trafficking in persons. BRIDGETOWN 00000471 002.4 OF 003 Research conducted in 2004 by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) indicated that there was a general lack of awareness and understanding of the phenomenon of trafficking in persons, and the public was unaware that such a crime may be occurring. The project therefore seeks to raise awareness and sensitize St. Lucians on the issue of trafficking in persons, and build capacity among service providers, including law enforcement officers and prosecutors, to response to cases of trafficking. At the end of the project it is expected that all socially vulnerable groups, in particular young persons and unemployed youth, groups most likely to be targeted for trafficking and the general public at large will be sensitized and informed on issues of BRIDGETOWN 00000471 003 OF 003 trafficking. Social workers and other front line workers will be trained to provide services to victims, and law enforcement officers will be trained to protect victim's rights and prosecute perpetrators. ¶4. Name of Applicant: Women's Bureau, Ministry of Community Development, Gender Affairs, and Information, the Commonwealth of Dominica Requested Funding: USD 72,510 Project Title: Research, Advocacy, and Strengthened Capacity to Militate Against Exploitation of Women and Girls and Activities Related to Trafficking in Persons Project Duration: 16 months Proposal Abstract: The principles of basic human rights and freedoms are enshrined in the constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica. In upholding these principles Dominica has been signatory to a number of international conventions to include the Convention on the Elimination all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),ratified in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC),ratified in 1990, and the Inter-American Belen do Para 1994 Convention on Violence Against Women. According to Article six of CEDAW, State Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of prostitution of women. According to this article global trafficking of women is most commonly associated with prostitution and sexual bondage, as well as lesser forms of trafficking such as mail order brides and domestic workers. It is debatable whether activities in Dominica fit within these defined boundaries of trafficking under this convention. Dominica has however implemented legislation, which is in keeping with CEDAW Article 6 to protect persons in general from all forms of trafficking in women and children (within and outside the country) for purposes of prostitution or any other form of exploitation. For example the 2003 amendment to the Immigration Passport Act deals directly with the problems of Human Trafficking. Selling of a woman's service by a third person is illegal and is elucidated in the 1998 Sexual Offences Act. A draft report on CEDAW suggests that legal and administrative framework requires additional resources, relevant policies and continued political and public will to maintain compliance with the tenets of the articles of the convention. The report concluded that proper data collection, monitoring and pro-active initiatives are lacking to deal with prostitution and human trafficking. According to the report the paucity of case law in these areas does not translate to legislative deterrence. The report proposed that Dominica needs to 1) monitor patterns of emigration and immigration, 2) put systems in place to monitor whether immigrants/emigrants are predominantly engaged in sex work, 3) pass legislation to prevent traffic in women/girls. ¶5. Name of Applicant: Dominica National Council of Women Requested Funding: USD 300,000 Project Title: An Integrated, Multi-Sectoral Project to Effectively Combat and Eradicate the Ills of Human Trafficking in the Commonwealth of Dominica Project Duration: 48 months Proposal Abstract: Reports indicate that a large number of persons enter and leave Dominica through illegal channels. This illicit trade has posed a number of serious problems for the Government of Dominica as well as adversely affecting its relations with neighboring Islands. Further, lost of human lives in and around Dominica's shores during the transportation process has raised much concern for Government. Additionally, several persons (men) are being exploited in the area of agricultural farming as they are vastly underpaid by employers, and female migrants have resorted to prostitution as a means of livelihood on the island. The project aims at effectively combating the illicit act of Human Trafficking, thus reducing the trade to an unprofitable level for traffickers and improving family life relations. One of the major activities of the Project will be to facilitate a study of the problem of human trafficking in Dominica, establish a unified mechanism and data base, and train and equip professionals to better reduce human trafficking and save lives. GILROY