PARAGUAY'S CONCERNS OVER DOL DRAFT LIST FOR TVPRA

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000129 SENSITIVE SIPDIS PASS TO RACHEL RIGBY AT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, STATE FOR DRL/ILCSR MMITTELHAUSER, G/TIP SSTEINER AND WHA/BSC MDASCHBACH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EIND ELAB ETRD PHUM SOCI KTIP PA SUBJECT: PARAGUAY'S CONCERNS OVER DOL DRAFT LIST FOR TVPRA REF: A. STATE 3075 ¶B. BUENOS AIRES 0048 ¶C. 08 ASUNCION 505 ¶1. (U) Embassy Asuncion thanks the Department of Labor for the opportunity to comment on the draft list of goods believed to be produced by child labor or forced labor in Paraguay as mandated in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) (ref A). ¶2. (SBU) Post echoes some concerns submitted by Embassy Buenos Aires (ref B). In particular, Embassy Buenos Aires correctly noted that the burden of proof lies with those who claim there is a signifcant incidence of forced and/or child labor in the production of a certain good. We concur. Post questions whether a "significant incidence" of child labor, forced labor, or forced child labor exists in cattle (beef), corn, and manioc/cassava production. To post's knowledge, little documented evidence is available to confirm whether a "significant incidence" of child labor or forced labor occur in these sectors in Paraguay (ref C). Anecdotal evidence suggests that child and forced labor exists in cotton production and pornography. However, whether a "significant incidence" occurs is inconclusive. Further research should be done to verify the DOL's conclusions before finalizing its list. ¶3. (SBU) Furthermore, post notes that the draft list does not include two key goods produced in Paraguay where documented evidence exists to suggest that a "significant incidence" of child or forced labor does occur -- brick and lime production (ref C). Child labor is prevalent in many factories, particularly in Cordillera and Concepcion Departments. Paraguayan authorities worked together with the press in December 2007 to rescue child laborers from a lime factory in Ita Kua, Concepcion Department. Post believes that based on evidence available, child labor is of greater concern in the production of these goods than in the productions of goods on the DOL's draft list. ¶4. (SBU) Post also agrees with Embassy Buenos Aires' assertion that releasing this list without support for its allegations could negatively affect our bilateral relationship, including our mutual fight against child or forced labor. Unsubstantiated allegations in the list could damage our relationship with the new Lugo administration at the outset and set us back for the next five years or more. Such a list would likely hamper -- not help -- our efforts to work with the Paraguayan government to fight child and forced labor, and negatively impact our overall economic relationship with Paraguay. Our Embassy is working with the Lugo administration to help it develop its economy -- including promoting better labor practice -- and increase its exports of goods (including beef) to the United States. ¶5. (U) POC for this request is Embassy Asuncion Human Rights Officer Michael Edwards, telephone: 011-595-21-213-715, e-mail: edwardsmg@state.gov. Please visit us at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/asuncion AYALDE