UAE REACTS MATTER-OF-FACTLY TO TIP REPORT

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000682 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PI, G/TIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ELAB KCRM KPAO KWMN PGOV PHUM PREL SMIG AE SUBJECT: UAE REACTS MATTER-OF-FACTLY TO TIP REPORT REF: STATE 58802 ¶1. The UAEG welcomed the Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report released June 4, citing it as constructive feedback for UAE efforts to combat the scourge of trafficking. Acknowledging that TIP remains a significant problem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and head of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking Dr. Anwar Gargash also pointed to significant progress made by the UAE. ¶2. On June 3, Dr. Gargash had addressed a UN conference in New York on the UAEG's achievements in combating human trafficking, so the topic was already in the headlines prior to the June 4 release of the TIP report. Primary coverage in the UAE was in the new English government-affiliated daily "The National." With anti-TIP legislation in place since 2006, a number of prosecutions under its belt, a shelter established in Dubai (and another in the works in Abu Dhabi),progress on its project with UNICEF to assist repatriated camel jockeys, and the continuing activity of the National Committee, the UAEG is confident that its efforts will continue to address the problem smartly. Dr. Gargash did cite the ongoing desire for training (a common theme in his discussion with the USG) to enhance current UAEG efforts to improve investigation, law enforcement sensitivity, and judicial proceedings. "What we need is more awareness in the police force, more technical training, investigative training and more victim sensitivity training." ¶3. Post will continue to work closely with the UAEG to enhance mutual anti-TIP efforts. QUINN