ESTONIAN REACTION TO 2007 TIP REPORT

UNCLAS TALLINN 000395

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM KWMN ELAB PHUM PREL PGOV SMIG KPAO EN
SUBJECT: ESTONIAN REACTION TO 2007 TIP REPORT

Ref: STATE 78403


1. (U) On June 13, we delivered reftel points informing
the GOE of the release of the 2006 TIP (trafficking in
persons) Report and Estonia's Tier 2 status to Mai Hion,
MFA Director for Human Rights. Hion was pleased that
the Report acknowledged the progress the GOE has made in
combating TIP - principally in implementing its National
Action Plan (NAP) to combat TIP and increasing its anti-
TIP budget. Hion said the GOE remains committed to the
full implementation of the NAP and making new anti-TIP
funding permanent.


2. (SBU) In discussion with Poloff, Hion was receptive
to suggestions that Estonia improve its regional and
international cooperation to identify, repatriate, and
assist Estonian TIP victims abroad. Asked whether the
GOE intended to introduce trafficking-specific
legislation, Hion said the Ministry of Justice plans to
re-examine the effectiveness of the 15 articles of the
criminal code the GOE uses to prosecute TIP crimes. The
GOE will then consider whether a TIP-specific statute is
necessary.


3. (U) Hion repeatedly asked for U.S. assistance to
improve its anti-TIP program. Specifically, she
requested training to improve Estonia's inter-agency
coordination and outreach to NGOs. While the GOE has
made progress on both counts, Hion admitted that more
there is still room for improvement and any assistance
from the USG would be greatly appreciated.


4. (SBU) Comment: We found Hion focused on the
substance of the fight against TIP, rather than on the
nuances of tier classification and cross-country
comparisons. This is a positive sign and, we believe,
one that reflects the increasing sensitization and
growing commitment of GOE officials to anti-TIP efforts.

PHILLIPS