KAZAKHSTAN: TIP REPORT DELIVED

UNCLAS ASTANA 001111 SENSITIVE SIPDIS SCA/CEN FOR O'MARA, G/TIP FOR HALL, INL/AAE FOR BALABANIAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV KCRIM KZ SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN: TIP REPORT DELIVED REF: STATE 58370 ¶1. (SBU) On June 4, Post delivered the annual Trafficking in Persons Report to Director of the Department of International Law of the Ministry of Justice Elvira Abilkhasimovna Azimova. A copy of the Kazakhstan narrative and non-paper were provided. The Ministry of Justice was complimented for being upgraded from Tier 2 Watch list to Tier 2 due to positive developments in investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of traffickers. Post recommended that Kazakhstan continue to improve conviction rates, ensure that traffickers serve sufficient time in prison, and provide assistance to victims of trafficking. ¶2. (SBU) Very pleased with the news, Azimova said that the GOK intends to work to further improve its TIP ranking by enhancing the victim assistance and protection components of the national anti-TIP action plan. Azimova expressed thanks for the assistance that the USG had provided for law enforcement training and said she looked forward to future cooperation with the Embassy on victim assistance as well. Post informed Azimova that improving Kazakhstan's assistance to TIP victims would remain an Embassy priority and that the Embassy will support the Ministry's earlier request to learn more about how other countries have effectively provided victim assistance and what methods the GOK could use. ¶3. (SBU) Azimova briefed Post on other positive developments since the submission of the last TIP Report. In particular, the Ministry of Culture and Information announced three grants to NGOs to produce and broadcast an anti-TIP video on national TV channels, to conduct information campaigns, and to establish a call center. The GOK also approved a one-year plan directing law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and others to conduct awareness campaigns for the general public. ¶4. (SBU) Azimova also reported that the Ministry is working on how best to establish a trafficking shelter or fund existing shelters operated by NGOs. In response to the Ministry's request to provide a building for the purpose of establishing a shelter, the Akim (governor) of Akmola oblast offered to provide land where a shelter could be constructed and the Akim of Almaty oblast suggested using an existing temporary residence center for oralmans as a shelter for victims of trafficking. (Note. Oralmans are ethnic Kazaks who immigrated to Kazakhstan from other countries. End Note.) Neither proposal is acceptable to the Ministry and it is now looking for other options. ¶5. (SBU) The Ministry is also drafting a project proposal to seek funding for victim assistance from the national budget. Azimova pointed out that the Ministry has had some difficulty developing the project proposal because of its lack of experience in this area and requested the Embassy's assistance in finding and hiring an expert to draft the proposal and an expert to analyze and suggest recommendations for the improvement of victim assistance and protection legislation. INL Astana will look for funds in its anti-TIP program to respond to the Ministry's request. ORDWAY