GOC RECEIVES TIER ONE TIP SCORE ENTHUSIASTICALLY

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000421 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/PGI, G/TIP, INL, DRL, AND IWI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KCRM KWMN PREL HR TRAFFICKING SUBJECT: GOC RECEIVES TIER ONE TIP SCORE ENTHUSIASTICALLY REF: STATE 58447 ¶1. On July 3rd, per REFTEL, POLOFF delivered news of Croatia's upgraded TIER 1 rating to TIP National Coordinator Luka Maderic, who also serves as the Head of the Government Office of Human Rights. The GoC enthusiastically received the news of Croatia's full compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. ¶2. With its victim-centered approach in response to trafficking, Croatia has more than doubled the number of trafficking convictions from the previous year. Croatian courts have significantly reduced their use of suspended sentences for convicted traffickers, continued proactive law enforcement training and initiated new public awareness raising projects during the reporting period. Future plans include the airing of a nationwide demand reduction campaign featuring prominent sports figures and linked to major events such as the up-coming European soccer championships. Anti-trafficking messages will also continue to be a part of training for NATO troops prior to deployment abroad. ¶3. COMMENT: POLOFF discussed at length with Mr. Maderic the need to continue working with Croatia's independent judiciary to toughen sentences imposed on convicted traffickers, as well as further efforts to enhance proactive identification of women in prostitution and migrants who transit the country. Mr. Maderic fully agreed and pledged to work towards these ends. The affirmation and acknowledgment of the positive efforts Croatia has made over the past four years will undoubtedly energize the GOC to continue its solid work to combat trafficking in persons. END COMMENT Bradtke