GUINEA BISSAU: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT

UNCLAS DAKAR 000175

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