ARGENTINE HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS PROTEST NEW TIP

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000438 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KWMN SMIG KCRM ELAB AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINE HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS PROTEST NEW TIP LEGISLATION, BUT BILL TO BE PASSED SHORTLY REF: Buenos Aires 344 ¶1. (U) Summary: A small group of anti-trafficking and feminist organizations gathered outside Argentina's Congress on April 3 to protest anti-TIP legislation currently under consideration by the Chamber of Deputies. According to NGOs, the draft bill falls short of Argentina's international obligations under the Palermo Protocol, as trafficking victims over the age of 18 would have to prove that they did not consent to their trafficking and exploitation. They argue that the new bill would make the prosecution of traffickers and procurers more difficult. A small group of women led the demonstration, posted signs and slogans, handed out flyers, and promoted a petition against the draft legislation. The demonstration was generally well received by passersby and attracted limited media attention. Press reports and Congressional deputies say the bill should be approved by the Chamber this week and then move to implementation. End Summary. ¶2. (U) A small group of anti-trafficking protestors met in front of Congress on April 3 to voice their opposition to a trafficking in persons bill that was approved by the Senate in 2006 and is now under consideration by the Chamber of Deputies, where it may go to a plenary vote as early as April 9. The bill would criminalize TIP and make it a federal crime, but it would also put the burden on trafficking victims over the age of 18 to prove that they were forced into prostitution or slavery through violence, threats, or coercion (see reftel for Embassy reporting on the pending legislation). According to NGOs, this would make the prosecution of procurers and traffickers considerably more difficult. They argue that this law presumes that victims can consent to their own exploitation, and violates international human rights standards. ¶3. (U) The activists rallied instead for a law that would more effectively condemn procurers and traffickers. In accordance with the Palermo Protocol, the law should not distinguish between victims under or over 18 years old. It would consider the trafficking of persons into prostitution or other forms of slavery a crime, regardless of the age of the victim. TIP activists argue that a law without this distinction would more effectively protect the human rights of trafficking victims. ¶4. (U) The demonstration marked the sixth anniversary of the disappearance of trafficking victim Marita Veron, whose mther, Susana Trimarco, won the State Department's 2007 International Women of Courage Award for her anti-TIP efforts. The demonstration consisted of a small group of ten to fifteen women from a variety of human rights, anti-trafficking, and feminist organizations. These organizations included Red NO a la Trata, INADI, and La Casa del Encuentro. Large posters and flyers displayed photos of trafficking victims as well as information on common misperceptions about prostitution being a victimless crime. The slogan repeated on many flyers was "No more women as victims of prostitution networks." ¶5. (U) Anti-TIP activists set up a table with a petition against the draft legislation. Men and women of all ages signed the petition. The protestors, using a loudspeaker, succeeded in attracting the attention of pedestrians by playing music and making speeches regarding trafficking victims and the new legislation. The demonstration attracted some media attention. Throughout the evening, two cameramen filmed the growing crowd, the numerous posters, as well as the speakers, while a reporter interviewed some of the activists. Press coverage of the event was limited, but generally positive. ¶7. (SBU) Comment: While the bill likely to be passed by the Argentine Congress falls short of Palermo Protocol obligations, it marks an important step in the right direction, and will serve as a catalyst for launching other initiatives such as the GOA's TIP action plan that focuses on improved assistance for trafficking victims. As one female legislator told the Ambassador April 8, this is not a perfect bill but it will place trafficking under federal jurisdiction and start more effective anti-trafficking efforts. Then, she said, we can work on fixing the problems. Trafficking in persons is an issue that Argentines, on their own, recognize as a serious problem. Post will continue to work with the GOA, the Legislature, and civil society to look for opportunities to revise the pending legislation and strengthen the law through implementing regulations. End Comment. WAYNE