TAJIKISTAN PROMISES CONTINUED ANTI-TIP REFORMS

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 001057

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL, G/TIP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN PROMISES CONTINUED ANTI-TIP REFORMS


1. (SBU) PolOff delivered the Russian translation of the
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report to Abdurahmon Azimov, head
of the Interagency Commission Against Trafficking in Persons,
July 5. (Note: PolOff had previously delivered the Trafficking
in Persons report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the day it
was released in English. End Note.) When Azimov questioned
Tajikistan's Tier 2 ranking, PolOff explained that although
Tajikistan is making efforts to curb trafficking, it still does
not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of
trafficking. PolOff expressed appreciation for the actions
already taken by the government and outlined the areas where the
government needs to improve, including: amending trafficking
legislation to better define trafficking, the need to curb
corruption, particularly among government offices, and the need
vigorously to investigate, prosecute, convict and sentence
traffickers or those involved in trafficking crimes.


2. (SBU) Azimov thanked PolOff for the United States' critique
of Tajikistan's anti-trafficking efforts and for the Embassy's
support and assistance. He informed PolOff that the interagency
commission has submitted draft amendments to Tajikistan's
trafficking in persons law and expects parliament will pass it
soon. Imbedded in the draft laws are provisions that mandate
the government finance and set up an additional five shelters
for trafficking victims. In addition, various government
ministries and agencies are contributing to a new draft body of
law regarding corruption. Azimov said the law will include
specific points on corruption related to trafficking in persons.



3. (SBU) Azimov produced a lengthy report and explained that
the interagency recently audited the Ministry of Interior to
examine its anti-trafficking activities. Azimov commented that
the Ministry of Interior is "doing its job," but did not
elaborate. The government continues to repatriate victims from
the United Arab Emirates and organize seminars to train
government officials to fight trafficking in persons. In April,
President Rahmon visited the United Arab Emirates and signed
five bilateral cooperation agreements which included an
agreement between the two countries' Ministries of Interior for
increased cooperation to fight organized crime rings and an
extradition agreement. In addition, 25 Afghan officials have
visited Tajikistan on an exchange to share information and learn
from each other's experiences in combating trafficking in
persons.


4. (U) The Embassy has posted the TIP report on the Embassy
website in English and Russian and will soon post it in Tajiki.
PolOff presented the report at a student conversation group at
the Bactria Center June 20 and at the American Corner July 3.
Post will also host a roundtable discussion and show a film
later this month.

JACOBSON