SRI LANKA: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROPOSALS FOR

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000153 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/INS, SCA/RA AND G/TIP (FARAJ) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ELAB PHUM PREL SMIG KCRM CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROPOSALS FOR G/TIP-MANAGED FY 2008 ESF AND INCLE FUNDS REF: 07 STATE 161503 ¶1. Post, following G/TIP instructions in reftel, solicited anti-trafficking project proposals from local and regional organizations and received three proposals. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) proposal includes improving the GSL's capacity to prosecute trafficking crimes and to identify and protect victims. The International Labor Organization (ILO) proposal focuses on improving recruitment practices and building GSL capacity to protect labor rights. The Lawyers for Human Rights and Development (LHRD) proposal involves law enforcement training and legal support to victims. Summary information for the proposals follows below. Full proposals will be forwarded by email to the G/TIP Programs Section point of contact for NEA and SCA. ¶2. Post thinks Proposal 1 would best address Sri Lanka's TIP needs. It tracks closely with G/TIP's Action Plan for Sri Lanka and would complement the work IOM is currently doing on TIP with USAID and Department funds. The proposal focuses on building the capacity of law enforcement and service providers to help identify victims and link them with appropriate services. It also would assist legislative authorities in amending national trafficking legislation to more effectively prosecute traffickers. Proposal 2's suggestions for combating unethical recruitment are also worthwhile. However, the proposed work on regulations and human rights for migrant laborers does not directly address trafficking in persons. The training component of Proposal 3 overlaps significantly with the training component of a USAID-funded project that is currently underway. Moreover, Proposal 3 is nearly identical to LHRD's proposal from last year, which is currently being considered for funding. ¶3. PROPOSAL 1: a. Applicant: International Organization for Migration b. Funding Amount: $199,996 c. Title: Counter-Trafficking in Persons in Sri Lanka: Strengthening Prosecution and Victim Protection, Phase II d. Duration: 1.5 years e. Abstract: This 18-month project aims to enhance the effectiveness of anti-trafficking activities to raise Sri Lanka above its Tier 2 Watch List position. While the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) has increased anti-TiP efforts, further action is needed, in particular to address involuntary servitude and revictimization of victims of trafficking (VoTs),particularly those detained for prostitution or related charges. The return to war following the collapse of the CeaseFire Agreement increases the likelihood of Sri Lankans attempting to leave the country irregularly. While counting on the GSL to lead a multi-agency approach, IOM will provide technical assistance to prevent labor recruiters from enticing workers into involuntary servitude, to make use of improved data sources, and to develop national strategy based on policy being developed. The project will improve the capacity of law enforcement to prosecute trafficking crimes and to identify VoT's and link them to appropriate services; as well as to assist legislative authorities to amend legislation to more effectively prosecute traffickers and protect victims. IOM will also provide hands-on technical support to the GoSL anti-trafficking focal point to build capacity on the job and to ensure appropriate case follow-up. To enhance victim protection, the project will establish a formal GoSL-led procedure to systematically identify VoTs among vulnerable groups, including foreigners detained for visa overstays and women arrested for prostitution and related charges, and to ensure that they are not punished but are referred to appropriate authorities and services for necessary assistance. ¶4. PROPOSAL 2: a. Applicant: International Labour Organization b. Funding Amount: $499,338 c. Title: Prevention of Trafficking In Persons Through Improvement Management of Labour Migration d. Duration: 3-4 years e. Abstract: Despite the Government of Sri Lanka's efforts to protect their migrant workers, there is a need to reinforce these protection measures as large numbers of migrant workers still experience violations of their labour rights in the form of psychological and physical harassment, isolation, non-payment of agreed wages, debt bondage to placement agencies and involuntary servitude. Irregular, undocumented migration for domestic work is another key area of concern to the GSL as this renders these workers vulnerable to being trafficked into exploitative labour including commercial sex. This proposal stems from consultations, held with the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion, Ministry of Labour Relations and Manpower (MOLRM),the Association of employment agencies and other concerned organizations in Sri Lanka such as the 10M and the ILO, and has been consolidated as support to a national response to the 2007 TIP report. A comprehensive response spanning a 4 year period with a budget of US$ 1.93 was developed and this proposal addresses components within the programme which ILO is in a strong position to support. Thus, this proposal spans a three-year period cost at US$ 500,000 to achieve the following priority objectives: - to advocate for regulation of migrant domestic work through ethical recruitment processes and impose sanctions against trafficking and forced labour. - to build the capacity of governments, law enforcement officials, the judiciary and civil society organizations to enforce human and labour rights of migrant workers particular in domestic work. The expected outcomes of the project are: - a reduction in irregular recruitment practices and undocumented migration for domestic work & an increase in the number of prosecutions against traffickers and deceitful labour recruiters. - agreements with key receiving countries on enforceable employment contracts for migrant domestic workers. - increased organization and bargaining power of overseas migrant workers. ¶5. PROPOSAL 3: a. Applicant: Lawyers for Human Rights and Development b. Funding Amount: $122,205 c. Title: Combating Trafficking in Persons by Strengthening Law Enforcement, Monitoring Prosecutions, Improving Data Collection and Legal Support to Victims d. Duration: 2 years e. Abstract: Though Sri Lanka is both a source and destination for trafficking in persons (TIP) for sexual exploitation and domestic labor, with internal and external trafficking in men, women and children, the law enforcement authorities do not consider it as a serious problem. Trafficking legislation is rather new and complicated. Most police officers have no clear idea as to trafficking in persons and no clear understanding of the law and procedure relating to it. TIP is a problem affecting the entire country. Officers in all police stations require training in TIP. They all can be reached only through a centralized training of trainers program conducted district-wide. Immigration, Labor and FEB officers also need this training. It should be a comprehensive and action-oriented training, strengthened with a comprehensive training manual enabling trainers to identify and distinguish trafficking from other related offences. Effectiveness of training can be measured by monitoring investigations and prosecutions conducted by trainees. Legal support service to victims of trafficking, enabling them to prosecute their cases to the conclusion, is an urgent need. BLAKE