MALTA: SUMMARY INFORMATION FOR TRAFFICKING IN

UNCLAS VALLETTA 000129

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP, G, INL, DRL, EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ELAB KCRM KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG MT
SUBJECT: MALTA: SUMMARY INFORMATION FOR TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS SOLICITATION FOR G/GIP-MANAGED FY 2008 ESF AND
INCLE FUNDS

REF: STATE 161293


1. Embassy Valletta received one proposal for funding from FY
2008 INCLE and ESC appropriation. Per reftel instructions
the full proposal was forwarded via separate email. Post
believes the submitted proposal will help Malta move towards
Tier One status by addressing key components of Malta's TIP
Action Plan.


2. A. Name of the applicant: International Organization for
Migration


B. Requested funding amount: $205,419


C. Project Title: Delivery of IOM Counter-Trafficking Module
in Malta


D. Project Duration: June 1, 2008-May 31, 2009


E. Proposal Abstract: IOM conducted a training in May 2007
with representatives from Maltese law enforcement and civil
society. The training sought to raise awareness of
trafficking in persons and was successful in identifying the
interrelations of trafficking with irregular migration,
analyzing prevention, prosecution and protection, and
developing possible avenues of cooperation at a national and
international level amongst the diverse stakeholders and
institutions. Feedback on the training session highlighted
the need to further strengthen operational networks in Malta,
to pinpoint and enhance existing available services and their
respective functions and roles at a local level to identify
and assist the victims of human trafficking and to address
prevention. In addition, despite a lack of awareness at a
national level, the increase in prosecutions in the Maltese
courts suggests
that law enforcement authorities are conducting
investigations into the phenomenon.

In order to address these needs, the proposed project will
conduct a number of activities aimed at enhancing
communication between the key interlocutors, developing
social protection projects, addressing victims of human
trafficking and raising awareness at a national level. Thus,
it is envisaged that this project will aim to establish a
structured and trained referral system within the Maltese
civic society and institutions which will help in developing
workable protocols and a shared modus operandi towards the
identification and treatment of victims. Once established the
structured referral system thus created will enhance the
capacity of Malta to identify victims of trafficking in a
correct and timely fashion, so as to guarantee the necessary
protection of their human rights.

The project will last twelve months and be implemented in
cooperation with Malta's Ministry of Justice and Home
Affairs, the Ministry of Social Policy and the Police
Commissioner's Office.

The project objectives are:

- to establish a sound and well-trained referral system
between law enforcement officers, the judiciary and the
social services to ensure the appropriate referral of victims
of trafficking to the appropriate institution or NGO

- to inform identified victims of trafficking to the existing
range of protection and assistance services available in Malta

- to increase public awareness of the human trafficking
phenomenon.

Embassy Comment: At the time the abstract was written, Malta
had only an informal referral system; on March 35 an MOU
between the police and Ministry of Social Affairs was signed
formalizing the system. In our assessment the focus of this
request was always on training the personnel involved in the
system; therefore we continue to fully support this proposal.
BORDONARO