UZBEKISTAN - IOM SUBMISSION FOR G/TIP-MANAGED FY

UNCLAS TASHKENT 000817 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN, G/TIP, INL, DRL G/TIP FOR SHEREEN FARAJ, JANE SIGMON, AND AMY LEMAR-MEREDITH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM SMIG KWMN PGOV UZ SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN - IOM SUBMISSION FOR G/TIP-MANAGED FY 2007 ESF AND INCLE FUNDS REF: A. STATE 28150 (NOTAL) ¶B. TASHKENT 809 (NOTAL) ¶1. In response to the G/TIP solicitation (ref A),Post is pleased to submit a second proposal, this from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). (Note: Our first proposal was from UNODC - ref B. End note). The IOM proposal builds upon existing USAID and INL-funded programs, and reinforces Government of Uzbekistan efforts to fight trafficking. Although we support many aspects of this proposal, we believe the total amount requested is too high and could be significantly reduced. The support costs for staff based outside Uzbekistan should definitely be reduced. The proposal also lacks specificity on deliverables, particularly on the number of victims targeted for repatriation. We have summarized the proposal below and e-mailed the full text to G/TIP. ¶2. Name of Applicant: International Organization for Migration ¶3. Requested Funding Amount: $594,090 ¶4. Project title: Combating Trafficking in Persons in Uzbekistan: Trafficking Prevention and Victim Protection ¶5. Project duration: Two years. ¶6. Proposal abstract: This proposal will assign permanent International Organization for Migration representatives to the United Arab Emirates and Russia to facilitate the repatriation of trafficking victims. It will also increase training for school children, students, and local community (mahalla) leaders in disseminating trafficking information. Through increased vocational training it will also provide sustainable opportunities for trafficking victims upon their return home. IOM and its NGO partner "Istiqbolli Avlod" will also assign a permanent case worker to the UAE, the main destination country for Uzbek women trafficked for sexual exploitation. The case worker will undertake regular visits to UAE prison and immigration authorities, interview victims, deal with emergency trafficking cases, cooperate with the Uzbek Consulate General in preparing return documents, and report to IOM and NGO "Istiqbolli Avlod" Tashkent about the condition of Uzbek trafficking victims in the UAE. The Uzbek Embassy in Russia, the main destination country for Uzbek men trafficked for labor exploitation, is often unable to reach remote areas where trafficking cases occur and provide victims with return documents. IOM will assign a permanent representative in Russia (preferably an Uzbek citizen),to coordinate the return of Uzbek trafficking victims through cooperation with local law enforcement bodies, NGOs and members of the Uzbek diaspora. IOM and its NGO partners will conduct a needs assessment of trafficking victims, and establish training centers under the IOM Tashkent and Bukhara shelters. Trafficking victims wishing to start their own small businesses will be given assistance to purchase equipment. Training facilities will provide hairdressing, dry cleaning, sewing, and other such services. Assisting victims in establishing their own small businesses will also protect them from a possible return to situations of vulnerability leading to trafficking and exploitation. PURNELL