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