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