FEEDBACK ON TAJIKTIP PROSECUTORS' U.S. VISIT

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 001382 SIPDIS INL/AAE (BUHLER) JUSTICE FOR OPDAT (NEWCOMBE) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KJUS KCRM TI SUBJECT: FEEDBACK ON TAJIKTIP PROSECUTORS' U.S. VISIT ¶1. Summary: INL, Department of Justice/OPDAT and the Educational and Cultural Affairs Voluntary Visitors Division organized a one-week study tour to Washington for attorneys from the Prosecutor General's Office responsible for prosecuting TIP cases. The four prosecutors, accompanied by Embassy Dushanbe's Resident Legal Advisor Attorney, traveled to the United States to become familiar with U.S. methods of combating trafficking in persons. The Tajik prosecutors were especially interested in observing operations of U.S. prosecuting attorneys and actual court proceedings. They admired the active cooperation among different U.S. agencies, noted the important role NGOs play in encouraging victims to collaborate with police and prosecutors, and were impressed by U.S. punctuality and Washington's free museums. End summary. ¶3. During a recent visit to Washington, Tajik prosecutors of trafficking cases met with representatives from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services and Justice as well as with representatives from "Safe Shores" NGO involved in victim protection, prevention and repatriation. Prosecutors remarked that they were impressed with the active cooperation among different U.S. agencies and said they learned that wider involvement of NGOs in victim assistance enables the police and prosecution to obtain testimony from victims, resulting in successful prosecution. ¶4. At a post-trip follow-up meeting organized by the Public Diplomacy Section, prosecutors remarked favorably on how welcoming Americans are, and Washington's cleanliness and free museums. Prosecutors were quite impressed with federal employees' punctuality and the fact that they stayed within the given time during presentations and meetings. For constructive feedback, they wished that the trip had been longer and with an opportunity to travel outside of Washington. ¶6. Comment: We assess that the Tajik prosecutors came away with positive impressions of the U.S. efforts to combat TIP and they said they would like to see changes in the way anti-trafficking law enforcement works in Tajikistan. They admitted, however, that change is not likely at the present time due to lack of funds and insufficient government commitment. USG-sponsored visitor programs will not immediately impact the Tajik system, but will be part of a long-term grass roots effort to create change. JACOBSON