TIMOR-LESTE -- TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS SOLICITATION FOR

UNCLAS DILI 000059 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/RSA, G/TIP, EAP/MTS, EAP/RSP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PREL SMIG ID SUBJECT: TIMOR-LESTE -- TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS SOLICITATION FOR G/TIP REF: STATE 161287 1.(U) Summary: A Mission interagency panel evaluated one proposal for the Trafficking in Persons solicitation for G/TIP managed by 2008 ESF and INCLE funds. We are pleased to submit a proposal for Phase III of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) / Alola Foundation project entitled: Halt Exploitation and Learn to Prosecute (HELP). This cable contains Post's statement of support as well as project details and abstract as required by G/TIP per reftel. Mission is forwarding the proposal to G/TIP via e-mail. Post considers complete funding of the three phases of the HELP project to be of urgent importance in light of recent developments that have increased Timor-Leste's vulnerability to potential traffickers. We hope that quick action can be taken on funding this comprehensive approach to strengthen Timor-Leste's nascent anti-trafficking capacity and ensure that Timor-Leste does not risk deterioration in this area. End summary. ¶2. (U) Name of Organization: International Organization for Migration (IOM) Name of Project: Halt Exploitation and Learn to Prosecute (HELP) Phase III. Timeline 1 Year Budget (USD) 285,392.00 POC: Roberto Quiroz II e-mail: QuirozR2@state.gov Abstract: Timor-Leste is a destination country for sex trafficking of women from other Asian countries, and recent anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that it is also affected by internal rural-to-urban and district-to-district sex trafficking in Timorese women and girls. Despite acknowledgement and growing awareness of the problem among the public, civil society, and the Government of Timor-Leste, protection and prosecution efforts within the country are inadequate. This project will enhance efforts to prosecute traffickers and extend legal protections to their victims by providing technical assistance for drafting comprehensive counter trafficking legislation and coordinating efforts to advocate for its enactment. It will protect trafficked persons by increasing the quality and quantity of protective and assistance services through the establishment of a shelter and the provision of direct assistance, and will increase the institutional capacity of law enforcement and service providers through targeted trainings and the establishment of a broad-based coordination forum. KLEMM