TIP: NEW GOVERNMENT SHELTER FOR UNDOCUMENTED

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001857 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR GTIP:BFLECK, WHA/PPC:MPUCCETTI, AID, G, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM SMIG KCRM KWMN KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB GT SUBJECT: TIP: NEW GOVERNMENT SHELTER FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS AND TRAFFICKED VICTIMS SOON TO BE INAUGURATED ¶1. (U) The Guatemalan Government (GOG) announced on September 12 that it will open a new shelter in Guatemala City for undocumented aliens, including victims of trafficking in persons. The shelter, to open within 30 days, will house up to 240 persons. ¶2. (U) The four-level shelter will include dormitory space for 120 men on one floor, dormitory space for 120 women on a separate floor, including special rooms for trafficked victims, a reception area for registration of data and medical exams, as well as office space for immigration authorities and National Civil Police agents. ¶3. (U) The GOG's current detention center in Guatemala City has been the target of strong criticism for being more of a prison than a shelter. The new shelter, in a newly constructed building, will provide a more habitable environment with better lighting, more physical space, including a patio and canteen, laundry facilities, and an area for those who require extra vigilance. ¶4. (U) Comment: The GOG is taking the problem of trafficking in persons seriously and is working creatively to address the problem despite limited resources. Derham