Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASUNCION129
2009-03-03 12:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Asuncion
Cable title:  

PARAGUAY'S CONCERNS OVER DOL DRAFT LIST FOR TVPRA

Tags:  EIND ELAB ETRD PHUM SOCI KTIP PA 
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VZCZCXYZ0018
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAC #0129 0621227
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 031227Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ASUNCION
TO RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7630
INFO RUCNMER/MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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

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