NEPAL: G/TIP INCLE AND ESF FUNDING PROPOSAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 KATHMANDU 000844 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG NP SUBJECT: NEPAL: G/TIP INCLE AND ESF FUNDING PROPOSAL REF: STATE 28150 Summary and Introduction -------------- ¶1. Embassy Kathmandu is pleased to propose the following five projects, in rank order, for consideration for INCLE and ESF funding (reftel). Post emailed the full text of the proposals to G/TIP. Begin Projects -------------- Project 1 -------------- Name of the Applicant: The Asia Foundation Requested Funding: USD 235,769.00 Project Title: Strengthening Victim and Witness Protection for the Successful Prosecution of Traffickers Project Duration: Two Years Proposal Abstract: The goal of the proposed project is to strengthen prosecutions and increase convictions of traffickers in Nepal through improved and better-integrated protection measures for victims and witnesses. Comprehensive protection for trafficking victims and witnesses is an urgent need in Nepal. Without adequate protection, victims are often unwilling to file a case or to testify because they fear reprisals either against themselves or their families. Currently in Nepal, there is no specific law that provides full protection for witnesses and trafficking victims. Law enforcement officials are not adequately trained on how to identify or deal with trafficking victims and witnesses. Nepali diplomats in destination countries, who are frequently the victims' first point of contact abroad, often have had little or no training in identifying victims or ensuring their safety, yet they have a critical role to play in protecting victims during the repatriation process. In addition, lawyers and public prosecutors are not sensitive to the psycho-social needs of trafficking victims. This can further traumatize victims and make them less willing and capable of providing testimony against their traffickers. Convictions then become more difficult to achieve, as victim testimony is often the most crucial piece of evidence against a perpetrator. Successful prosecutions leading to more convictions of traffickers require stronger legal protections for victims - with extra security guaranteed for those willing to testify. The Asia Foundation proposes to build on its extensive experience and institutional capabilities in combating trafficking in Nepal and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as its strong relationship with leading Nepali NGO partners, to build a comprehensive and robust protection system for trafficking victims and witnesses. This will include: developing a draft bill on victim and witness protection that provides greater security and incentives for victims to testify against their traffickers; building a protective network of law enforcement officials and Nepali diplomats; and ensuring the provision of high quality legal and psycho-social support for victims and witnesses. Project results will include a stronger legal framework for victim and witness protection, greater victim protection provided during the repatriation and reintegration process with the active support of Nepali embassies, more victims and witnesses testifying in court, and increased trafficking prosecutions and convictions. Project 2 -------------- Name of the Applicant: Shakti Samuha Requested Funding: USD 70,325.00 Project Title: Reducing Trafficking and Enhancing Support to the Survivors of Trafficking Project Duration: Two Years Proposal Abstract: KATHMANDU 00000844 002 OF 004 The goal of the proposed project is to substantially reduce trafficking and enhance support to survivors of trafficking in the districts of Makwanpur, Rautahat, Bara, Sindupalchowk, Nuwakot, Bardia and Surkhet (these districts are located in the Central and Midwestern regions of Nepal). The project will adopt a community-based approach towards building awareness and preventing trafficking. The cooperative structure is the most sustainable form of community enterprise. It gives a collective voice to vulnerable women through which they can seek their rights. Proposed project activities include organizing awareness workshops, rallies, seminars and street theaters. The cooperative will also help to foster a sustainable livelihood for trafficking victims. A set of strategic training programs will be conducted in each of the targeted communities to identify possible income generating activities for women in the community. The project will also introduce community-based surveillance to help prevent trafficking and support the prosecution of traffickers. Victim assistance will also be provided, including counseling, education, employment services and legal support. The project is designed to achieve all of the following: 1. Foster awareness of human rights within the community; 2. Encourage greater community participation in the prevention of trafficking, the promotion of women's rights and education; 3. Reduce migration and increase income generating activities available to women; 4. Develop community-based surveillance and interception methodologies that will enable the community to assist in trafficking cases; 5. Empower trafficking survivors to participate as effective witnesses in cases brought against their traffickers; 6. Advocate for the adoption of stringent laws and policies to prevent trafficking and prosecute traffickers. Project 3 -------------- Name of the Applicant: Pourakhi (An Organization of Returned Women Migrants) Requested Funding: USD 98,357.00 Project Title: Proposal for Victim Assistance Project Duration: Two Years Proposal Abstract: Pourakhi is an organization of returned migrant workers which assists outgoing and returned migrant workers. Pourakhi proposes to expand its current services to serve the ever increasing number of Nepali migrants. Pourakhi plans to increase its public outreach activities by providing information and support services in passport offices, recruiting agencies, bus parks, the international airport in Kathmandu and through Nepal's embassies abroad. Currently, Pourakhi has a hot line and information desk in Kathmandu that provides information and counseling to migrant workers. Hotline services will be extended to Pokhara and Dharan. Radio outreach has been a major component of the organization's program and has proven to be the most effective way to reach potential or returned migrants. More than 1,200 returned migrant groups have been formed that listen regularly to the organization's programming. Through this project Pourakhi will expand its radio outreach by increasing the number of national and regional radio stations which broadcast its programming. In addition, 60 returned migrant leaders will be trained to engage in pre-departure, safe migration efforts and education at the community level. New initiatives in collaboration with World Education (WE) and the Nepal Institute for Development Studies will enhance the organization's capacity to provide rehabilitation services and engage in action research for advocacy and policy reform. Project 4 -------------- Name of the Applicant: The Esther Benjamins Trust-Nepal Requested Funding: USD 498,340.00 KATHMANDU 00000844 003 OF 004 Project Title: The Circus Children Project Project Duration: Two Years Proposal Abstract: The Esther Benjamins Trust - Nepal (EBT-N) and its NGO project partners Nepal Child Welfare Foundation (NCWF) and Esther Benjamins Memorial Foundation (EBMF) have been successfully rescuing trafficked Nepalese children from Indian circuses since the start of 2004. After the children are returned to Nepal there is a huge need for victim assistance to rehabilitate and reintegrate the returnees within society. The victims' primary needs are for secure temporary and semi-permanent accommodation, psychological support, education and training and employment. Without such services, rescued children will be returned into a situation where they have no prospects and little hope for a brighter future. Moreover, if psychological needs are not addressed and the returnees do no feel secure, all education, training and employment initiatives will ultimately fail. Worst of all, rescued children and girls remain vulnerable and at high risk of being re-trafficked. The aim of the Circus Children Project is to provide a sustainable and secure living, educational, artistic and working environment that meets the psychological needs and career aspirations of the most vulnerable trafficked children and teenage girls (who have been rescued from the Indian circuses) and that reintegrates them within society. The goal will be achieved as follows. Returnees will be provided a stable and secure home environment where basic needs are met. School-age children will be re-integrated into their peer groups and given the support needed to ensure they are making normal educational progress. Older girls who have no educational background or academic interest will be trained for gainful employment that leads to independent living. Residential facilities will not become permanent homes for any returnees, young or old, and will provide bed spaces for a flow of new arrivals. Psychological support will be provided through art to help returnees rebuild their lives and cope with day-to-day life. The program's accommodation and education/training programs will become self-sustaining by the end of the project. The proposed project activities include the construction of secure temporary and semi-permanent accommodations. The EBT-N plans to build seven accommodation units in Kathmandu with a total capacity of 126. The accommodations will be integrated within the community and will be eco-friendly. The units will provide a place for the older girls to live and work and serve as a "half-way" home into independent life. The funds requested through this project will support the construction of two of these buildings beginning in 2008, based upon a prototype constructed in 2007/2008. The project also includes psychological support, education and training. An arts center that can provide art therapy and education for returnees of all ages will be established. Older returnees with little or no education, but who wish to join a fast track into the school system at a level appropriate to their age, will be offered three-year-long residential courses. Training in jobs in the arts and crafts sector will be offered to returnees who have no interest in education or who cannot cope with the residential fast track course. This training will lead to the guarantee of jobs in two associated independent businesses - Hatti Trading and Himalayan Mosaics - that offer girls proper wages and fair trade working conditions. Project 5 -------------- Name of the Applicant: Peace Rehabilitation Center Requested Funding: USD 178,087.00 Project Title: Prevention of Woman and Child Trafficking Project Duration: Two Years Proposal Abstract: Peace Rehabilitation Center (PRC) is requesting a grant to strengthen and expand its existing programs to prevent the trafficking of women and children and to increase the protection, rescue and rehabilitation services available to KATHMANDU 00000844 004 OF 004 Nepali victims of trafficking. PRC's five main initiatives for this project include: public awareness, victim rescue and rehabilitation, income generation, a Nepal/India border patrol, and a victim follow-up program. PRC proposes to build community awareness, lead lobbying initiatives to influence government programs and policies, support marginalized women with economic empowerment initiatives, and encourage networking and coordination among NGOs and others fighting trafficking. In response to the needs of trafficking victims, PRC plans to expand awareness through community trainings, district-level rallies, and school orientation programs. PRC will expand its income generation activities by training victims of sex trafficking and vulnerable women and girls in candle making, sewing, knitting, spice production, driving, computing and animal husbandry (pig, goat and cow keeping). PRC will encourage networking and coordination by hosting regional police coordination and training events. These community training events will promote collaboration and partnership among the government and NGOs. In addition, the existing capacity and infrastructure of PRC will be strengthened through additional staff training programs for the organization's rehabilitation center, border checkpoints, and childcare program. MORIARTY