PROPOSALS FOR G/TIP PROJECT FUNDING

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000788 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EAP/MTS AND G/TIP, REBECCA BILLINGS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KCRM MY SUBJECT: PROPOSALS FOR G/TIP PROJECT FUNDING REF: STATE 28143 ¶1. Post submitted to G/TIP via email four proposals for anti-trafficking projects on April 20, 2007. This cable summarizes our priority list for the submitted project proposals and provides our justification for funding the projects. ¶2. Post first recommends the proposal from the International Catholic Migration Center (ICMC) which is a regional based project with focus on Malaysia and Indonesia. Due to the regional nature of the proposal, ICMC submitted this project directly to G/TIP in accordance with instructions in reftel. Post includes this project as our first priority as it will extend our efforts to combat trafficking in persons to East Malaysia and addresses issues that often go neglected by peninsula based organizations. In Malaysia, ICMC's proposal focuses on the state of Sabah, and seeks to encourage government action to tackle trafficking in persons by providing training and assistance in implementing Malaysia's new anti-TIP law. The proposal also seeks to build the capacity of civil society groups and assist them in setting up temporary shelters for trafficking victims. ICMC's two pronged approach at increasing government capacity and encouraging civil society action in fighting trafficking in persons maximizes our efforts in this more remote area of the country and receives our highest recommendation. ¶3. Secondly, we recommend The Asia Foundation's (TAF) proposal to provide training to the GOM to implement and enforce Malaysia's new anti-TIP initiatives. TAF seeks to fully engage the GOM and encourage NGO and government cooperation by addressing TIP through a series of workshops and training programs. TAF seeks to develop an anti-TIP training program and curriculum that the GOM can then institute throughout the country to better fight trafficking in persons. TAF's proposal meets our ultimate goal of encouraging government action and building government capacity to effectively combat trafficking in persons. ¶4. Thirdly, we recommend continued funding of Tenaganita's TIP victims shelter. Tenaganita opened the doors to its shelter in May 2006 through funding from PRM. IOM was the implementing partner for PRM in establishing and supporting Tenaganita's shelter, but IOM has removed itself from the project due to IOM's inability to operate effectively in Malaysia apart from its association with UNHCR. Tenaganita's shelter depends wholly on USG funding and absent continued funding from G/TIP, the shelter will not be able to continue operations past second or third quarter 2007. ¶5. Lastly, we submit without specific recommendation, but to be considered as funds may be made available, the proposal from the Solidarity Center. The Solidarity Center seeks to provide legal services to migrant laborers and potential trafficking victims. LAFLEUR