TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT: STAGNATION IN ZIMBABWE

UNCLAS HARARE 001030 SENSITIVE SIPDIS AF/S FOR B. WALCH DRL FOR N. WILETT TIP FOR R. YOUSEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KTIP KCRM KWMN PGOV SMIG ZI SUBJECT: TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT: STAGNATION IN ZIMBABWE REF: A. STATE 110849 ¶B. HARARE 3109 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) As political negotiations continue, much government activity has come to a standstill. Not surprisingly, given the depth and breadth of Zimbabwe's serious economic, food, employment, and political problems, anti-trafficking efforts by the government have taken a back seat to other issues. IOM remains active and successfully implements programs with the government's approval and involvement, but the push to deter trafficking remains with the non-governmental organizations. Until a new government takes shape, anti-trafficking efforts and legislation, like other pressing issues, will continue to be ignored. END SUMMARY. -------------- No New Legislation, Prosecutions -------------- ¶2. (SBU) So far in 2008, parliament has been largely ineffective. Parliament only sat for a few sessions at the beginning of the year, and then dealt primarily with election-related legislation leading up to the March 29 harmonized elections. The victorious parliamentarians were not sworn in until September, and then parliament did not convene to conduct business until mid-October. Consequently, it has made no progress in 2008 in drafting or implementing anti-trafficking legislations. ¶3. (SBU) The GOZ has made no progress to date in combating trafficking in persons. There have been no new arrests, investigations, or prosecutions of traffickers since April ¶2008. -------------- IOM leads Anti-Trafficking Efforts -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to sponsor the successful "Stop the Traffic" campaign that includes radio, TV, and billboard advertisements warning against trafficking. IOM, together with the Zimbabwean NGO Oasis Zimbabwe, was due to launch an anti-trafficking toll-free hotline on October 31. Unfortunately, the ceremony was canceled at the government's request because no official was available to attend. The ceremony was re-scheduled for December 6. The hotline has begun to operate, but it has not yet been fully advertised. IOM has provided training in different areas for officials from four different sectors: law enforcement officials (4 workshops),social service providers (3 workshops), faith-based organizations (3 workshops),and health/hygiene provision (3 workshops). IOM also has two reception centers for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa (at Beitbridge) and Botswana (at Plumtree) where it sponsors dramas that warn against trafficking. ¶5. (SBU) IOM continues to provide direct assistance to victims of trafficking. To date this year, it has assisted 23 victims, mostly women and children, who have been subjected to sexual exploitation and/or forced labor. IOM reports that it receives many requests from Zimbabweans asking for verification of job offers received from overseas. IOM hopes the new hotline will provide a streamlined way to assist these potential trafficking victims. McGee