JORDAN: JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS RECEIVE TRAINING ON

UNCLAS AMMAN 002339 SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP TAYLOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KTIP KJUS ELAB KWMN JO SUBJECT: JORDAN: JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS RECEIVE TRAINING ON TIP REF: A. AMMAN 2254 ¶B. AMMAN 2074 ¶C. AMMAN 2073 ¶D. AMMAN 1424 ¶E. AMMAN 459 ¶F. AMMAN 429 ¶G. AMMAN 242 ¶H. AMMAN 230 ¶I. 08 AMMAN 3388 ¶J. 08 AMMAN 3171 ¶K. 08 AMMAN 2822 ¶1. For the first time, Jordan's judges and prosecutors are being trained on international and local legislation related to trafficking-in-persons (TIP) and best practices in investigating and prosecuting TIP cases. The training, being implemented in two phases, was developed by Post in coordination with local partners and is funded by GTIP and implemented by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The first phase is designed to develop a basic understanding throughout the judiciary on the concept of TIP, what constitutes TIP, and how to appropriately apply local laws to TIP cases. In this phase, two U.S. assistant attorneys are currently conducting two-day workshops for prosecutors from each of Jordan's twelve governorates as well as judges from civilian, police, and security courts that may hear TIP cases. The workshops are being conducted in Amman, Aqaba, and Irbid with over sixty judges and prosecutors participating. ¶2. Before this training, judges and prosecutors were largely left out of efforts to build the capacity of GOJ institutions dealing with TIP. Primarily through support from the International Labor Organization, the Ministry of Labor has made significant strides in expanding and developing its labor inspectorate. The police, especially the Borders and Immigration Department, have received substantial training from the International Organization for Migration on the detection and investigation of TIP. With the judicial training, the three primary bodies responsible for investigating and prosecuting TIP cases will have a solid understanding of TIP and the need to take action. This fact and the timing of the training are especially important given the recent enactment of the new anti-TIP law and passage of regulations governing domestic workers and recruitment agencies. ¶3. In the second phase scheduled for spring 2010, the Department of Justice will send U.S. attorneys back to Jordan to conduct a two-week course for a small cadre of prosecutors. The two-week course will include more in-depth training on working with victims and investigation and prosecutorial techniques. The course will also prepare the cadre to train their colleagues on these topics and to work with the Judicial Institute to institutionalize TIP into its various training programs. (Note: Post is working with governmental and non-governmental partners to identify future needs, including training for the planned labor inspectorate-police TIP investigation unit and joint prosecutor and police training. End Note) ¶4. Comment: The successful development and implementation of the training showcases effective USG coordination on TIP in Jordan. The training program was developed in a consultative effort between the Political Section along with USAID and judicial counterparts. Once developed, Post worked closely with G/TIP and the DOJ to prepare for the training. The USAID Rule of Law project provided invaluable logistical and technical support, the regional DOJ OPDAT office in Abu Dhabi coordinated the participation of the state security court, the Public Affairs office handled media coverage, and the USAID-funded adviser to the Minister of Labor participated in the training. The program's success also highlights Jordan's commitment to combating TIP. The Minister of Justice, who had requested such training, opened phase one along with the Ambassador. All local costs, such as venue and participant costs, were covered by the Jordanian Judicial Institute. The Institute, which has received significant assistance from USAID, was extremely effective in hosting the trainings and is a great partner and resource for future trainings whether local or regional in scope. End Comment. Beecroft