GUINEA BISSAU: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT

UNCLAS DAKAR 000164 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP, PRM, AF/W, AF/RSA ACCRA FOR USAID/WA PARIS FOR POL D'ELIA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ELAB PHUM PREL SMIG PU SUBJECT: GUINEA BISSAU: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT PROPOSAL REF: STATE 161278 SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Post proposes one project to combat trafficking of children for forced begging from Guinea-Bissau to other countries in West Africa. Guinea-Bissau is a significant source country for children trafficked for forced begging. Thanks to foreign financing and support, local efforts and involvement from the GOGB, good efforts are being made to turn back the tide and help victims. However, much more is needed to help this low Tier Two country. End Summary. PROBLEM -------------- ¶2. Regional reports by IOM and UNICEF on trafficking of children for forced begging in West Africa have documented the significant problem in Guinea-Bissau, which serves as a source country. Religious leaders or their agents, often from Senegal, recruit young boys in the predominately Muslim eastern region of the country with promises of a Koranic education, the likes of which are not available in Guinea-Bissau. Children are forced to beg on the streets of cities such as Dakar and if they do not earn about one dollar per day and a kilo of rice for their masters, their beating is so severe they often do not return. Often, the only education they receive is how to survive on the streets. ¶3. Efforts by a local NGO, the Association of Women and Children (AMIC) (which does not support legalized prostitution),international organizations (IOs) such as IOM and UNICEF, and the TIP Report which included Guinea-Bissau for the first time in 2006, have raised the profile and understanding of the trafficking problem. AMIC works closely with partners including IOs, the GOGB and local policemen to repatriate children and reintegrate them. Some funding for their efforts comes from a PRM regional grant to IOM. But AMIC continues to operate on a shoestring and much more work needs to be done to raise awareness, build police capacity, and assist victims. ¶4. More details about the trafficking problem and those working toward solutions will be provided septel in response to the Trafficking in Persons Report tasking cable. PROPOSAL -------------- ¶5. a) Name of Applicant: International Organization for Migration; local partner: AMIC b) Requested Amount: USD 139,935 c) Project Title: Building a Support Network for Children Victims of Trafficking Through Training and Capacity Building of Law Enforcement, Border Officials and NGOs d) Duration: 12 months e) Abstract: IOM proposes to organize four three-day training sessions in source areas geared toward improving capacity of police, border officials, and NGO personnel. Trainings will be about how to recognize the crime, protect victims, and how to work together on prevention, protection and prosecution. The second phase of the project will focus on improving technical capacity of law enforcement officials and border guards. IOM will provide communications and transportation equipment to law enforcement and training in effective use of equipment. Currently, police are required to use public transportation and usually have to pay for it personally. Telephone communication is also irregular. In addition, IOM will support a shelter for repatriated victims operated by AMIC with food, health kits and other necessities. ¶6. The full proposal with appendices and resumes will be sent via email per reftel instructions. SMITH