Greece: 2009 TIP Report Submission - Part 3 of 4

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 ATHENS 000205 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR G/TIP, G-ACBlank, EUR/SE, EUR/PGI, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KTIP PREF ASEC KCRM KFRD KWMN SMIG ELAB GR SUBJECT: Greece: 2009 TIP Report Submission - Part 3 of 4 REF: 08 STATE 132759 ¶1. (U) This document is Sensitive But Unclassified. Please protect accordingly. ¶2. (U) This is the third of four cables. The cable text is keyed to REFTEL paragraph 26 (PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS). -------------- PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS -------------- ¶3. (SBU) -- A. What kind of protection is the government able under existing law to provide for victims and witnesses? Does it provide these protections in practice? The law on Organized Crime (2928/2001) provides for witness protection when a case is linked to organized crime. In other types of cases, including trafficking cases, the police can protect the victim or witness with a prosecutor's order. The Anti-Trafficking Police reported that it employs a variety of techniques to protect TIP victims, including protective arrangements with NGO shelters, on-site protection at a police station, or even moving victims to other cities where they are protected from traffickers. The law provides for a 30-day reflection period where victims may decide whether or not to assist in a government investigation. NGOs report that the 30-day reflection period is not always provided consistently. These pQ Q$!Q(QQQ! !QQQ!) Q"! Q shelters for unaccompanied minors, orphanages, or in a separate section of an adult detention center or in other state institutions. ACT UP, an NGO, runs a shelter that provides specialized care for young male victims of sex trafficking. Private NGOs were typically funded by a mixture of direct government support, grant program funding, and private donations. For information on government funding for NGOs that operate shelters, please see the following section on trafficking victim services. -- C. Does the government provide trafficking victims with access to legal, medical and psychological services? If so, please specify ATHENS 00000205 002 OF 010 the kind of assistance provided. Does the government provide funding or other forms of support to foreign or domestic NGOs and/or international organizations for providing these services to trafficking victims? Please explain and provide any funding amounts in U.S. dollar equivalent. If assistance provided was in-kind, please specify exact assistance. Please specify if funding for assistance comes from a federal budget or from regional or local governments. (NOTE: Please protect all information on funding levels and the specific NGOs and agencies that received grants. This information should not be published or released to the public. END NOTE.) The government provides trafficking victims with access to legal, medical, and psychological services both directly, through government-run shelters and publicly accessible health care, and indirectly, by funding private NGOs to provide these services. In 2008, the Ministry of Health, the MFA (Hellenic Aid),and the Ministry of Employment provided grants to private NGOs to provide victim services. All assistance came from the national government's budget. Overall, for 2008 the Government of Greece reported funding at least 2,671,207 euro (3,740,000 USD) for anti-trafficking efforts, including grants for NGOs, regional anti-TIP initiatives, legal assistance, and training. This is a 17 percent increase from the 1,869,100 euro reported for the previous year. Of the 2008 funding, 1,739,421 euro (2,435,000 USD) was provided by the MFA and Hellenic Aid, 486,786.20 euro (681,500 USD) was provided by the Secretariat for Gender Equality (Ministry of Interior),and the remaining 445,000 euro (623,000 USD) was provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. (NOTE: This amount is a minimum figure for the Greek government as it does not include funding provided by the Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Employment to combat trafficking. Funding statistics from these ministries were not available. END NOTE.) This funding included: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS / HELLENIC AID FUNDING: The MFA approved the following special anti-Trafficking projects: -- 200,000 euro (280,000 USD) earmarked for the Transnational Action against Child Trafficking (TACT) program in Albania, a three-year, cross-border program also funded by USAID. -- 140,000 euro (196,000 USD) for a joint public awareness campaign on child trafficking with UNICEF. The rest of this funding was provided by Hellenic Aid in the form of domestic, regional, and international anti-TIP grants worth 1,399,421 euro (1,960,000 USD). 515,738 euro (722,000 USD, or 37 percent) was designated for NGOs, while 883,683 euro (1,238,000 USD, or 63 percent) was earmarked for government-run anti-trafficking projects. The following projects were funded: -- 160,725.17 euro (225,000 USD) to the Center for European Constitutional Law for strengthening cooperation agreements in East Africa and the Western Balkans against trafficking. -- 46,500 euro (65,000 USD) to ENOW, an NGO, to run an S.O.S. hotline for trafficking victims. -- 495,000 euro (693,000 USD) to the Ministry of Interior to provide shelter, food, education, and voluntary repatriation to refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking. -- 60,472 euro (84,660 USD) to the Ministry of Interior's Center for Security Studies to combat human trafficking in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Ukraine. -- 134,391 euro (188,147 USD) to the Ministry of Interior's Directorate for Development Programs and International Organizations to formulate development mechanisms to address migration and trafficking issues. -- 193,820 euro (271,348 USD) to the General Secretariat for Gender ATHENS 00000205 003 OF 010 Equality to provide anti-trafficking training to NGOs and local government agencies in Greece and Albania. -- 143,440 euro (200,816 USD) to PRAKSIS, an NGO, for anti-trafficking training and operating reception centers for illegal migrants and trafficking victims. -- 126,388.50 euro (177,000 USD) to the Greek Council of Refugees, an NGO, to provide legal, psychological, and social support to victims of trafficking and asylum seekers. -- 38,684.35 euro (54,200 USD) to CARITAS, a Catholic church-affiliated NGO, to provide food and social support for migrants, refugees, and victims of trafficking. MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE FUNDING: The Ministry of Health supported the following projects in 2008: -- 265,000 euro (371,000 USD) for governmental trafficking and abuse victim shelters operated by EKKA. -- 180,000 euro (252,000 USD) for the Ministry's ongoing partnership with Smile of the Child to combat child exploitation. The Secretariat for Gender Equality, a part of the Ministry of Interior, supported the following projects in 2008: -- 486,786.20 euro (681,500 USD) for the Research Center for Gender Issues on three projects: 1) Awareness-building against sex trafficking, focusing on students in Kosovo and Sarajevo; 2) Trafficking prevention education in Albania, and 3) Anti-trafficking training for Greek government officials. According to NGOs, the government provides free basic health care to individuals who can show proof of legal residency - including recognized victims of trafficking. In addition, some hospitals offer free STD screening and checkups to the public. In 2008, NGOs throughout the country reported problems with accessing government grant funding. For a full discussion of these issues, please see the section on the government's limitations on addressing trafficking. -- D. Does the government assist foreign trafficking victims, for example, by providing temporary to permanent residency status, or other relief from deportation? If so, please explain. The government provides temporary residency status to foreign trafficking victims who assist in prosecuting traffickers and who wish to remain in Greece. When a public prosecutor identifies a potential victim of trafficking (either by referral from the police or an NGO),the victim is offered the opportunity to utilize a 30-day reflection period to consider whether or not to assist in an investigation. If the victim cooperates with the police, the government provides a temporary renewable residence permit and access to job training and social services programs. Victims who choose not to assist in an investigation are given assistance in voluntary repatriation to their home countries. During 2008, the Ministry of Interior granted legal residency permits to 97 trafficking victims (63 in 2007). 27 were new permits and 70 were renewals. According to some NGOs, law enforcement authorities do not always provide the 30-day reflection period in practice. Additionally, victims who are too scared to participate in investigations against their traffickers are left with few options - repatriation or asylum. Such victims, should they choose to remain in Greece, may lack legal residency and thus be susceptible to immigration violation charges. These NGOs urged the government to adopt more "victim-friendly" measures for providing temporary legal residency. -- E. Does the government provide longer-term shelter or housing benefits to victims or other resources to aid the victims in rebuilding their lives? ATHENS 00000205 004 OF 010 The government provides benefits to trafficking victims for as long as they are in shelters and during the 30-day reflection period. The government does not directly provide longer-term shelter or housing benefits to victims. Recognized victims have access to the same education, health, and welfare benefits as legal residents. The government indirectly provides longer-term shelter to victims through certain private NGOs, including ENOW, ACT UP, and Solidarity. These NGOs intermittently receive government funding. -- F. Does the government have a referral process to transfer victims detained, arrested or placed in protective custody by law enforcement authorities to institutions that provide short- or long-term care (either government or NGO-run)? Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs) between law enforcement authorities and registered NGOs allow victim transfers between local police units and NGO shelters. This mechanism allows the Anti-Trafficking Police to transfer victims from law enforcement custody into short or long-term care shelters. Police officers reported that they had MoCs with some shelters and unofficial referral relationships with others. The police have a screening process to make sure that possible victims of trafficking in custody are not deported or sent to migrant detention centers. The majority of NGOs reported good cooperation with the police and excellent cooperation with the specialized Anti-Trafficking Unit. However, some NGOs noted that this screening process did not always work effectively, with potential victims still ending up in detention centers or deportation proceedings - especially when unspecialized or untrained police officers were the first point of contact for the victim. Additionally, some NGOs in Thessaloniki reported limited communication with local anti-trafficking police officers, due to the constant police assignments cycle. These NGOs reported that established, productive relationships with experienced police officers came to an end when they were transferred to new units. -- G. What is the total number of trafficking victims identified during the reporting period? Of these, how many victims were referred to care facilities for assistance by law enforcement authorities during the reporting period? By social services officials? What is the number of victims assisted by government-funded assistance programs and those not funded by the government during the reporting period? 2008 statistics on trafficking victims were provided separately by the Hellenic Police and NGOs. (NOTE: Numbers do not agree because the police and NGOs track victims separately and using different methodologies. END NOTE.) POLICE STATISTICS ON VICTIMS: In 2008, the Hellenic Police identified 78 victims of sex and labor exploitation (100 in 2007). Law enforcement authorities provided assistance and protection to 36 victims (35 in 2007) and social services officials and NGOs together provided assistance to 26 victims. Country breakdown of identified victims: 25 from Romania, 23 from Bulgaria, 19 from Russia, 5 from Albania, 2 from Nigeria, and 1 each from France, Hungary, Lithuania, and Ukraine. NGO and IO STATISTICS ON VICTIMS: In 2008, NGOs and IOs, most of whom receive government funding or training assistance, reported assisting at least 657 victims of trafficking. A breakdown by each individual organization follows, in alphabetical order. (For more information on the activities of each NGO, please see the section on "Protection and Assistance to Victims," question M.) A21: Private NGO receiving no government funding but some government training. A21 opened its TIP victim assessment center in December 2008. In 2008, A21 provided assistance to three victims of trafficking. ATHENS 00000205 005 OF 010 ACT UP: Private NGO receiving some government funding. In 2008, ACT UP provided shelter, psychological, and/or medical assistance to 10 male victims of sex trafficking. All of the men originated from sub-Saharan Africa, Afghanistan, or East Asia. ASSOCIATION FOR THE SOCIAL SUPPORT OF YOUTH (ARSIS): Private NGO receiving some government funding. ARSIS assisted 198 Albanian children begging on streets of Thessaloniki, and provided assistance to 48 new child beggars. Of the 48 cases, over a third were aged 1-5 years, typically accompanied by their mothers. By gender: 27 boys, 21 girls. By ethnic / national origin: 24 children (50 percent) were Roma and 14 (29 percent) were Egyptian. CENTER FOR REHABILITATION OF TORTURE VICTIMS (CRTV): Private NGO. In 2008, CRTV provided assistance to four victims of trafficking. CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION (EKYTHKA): Private NGO. In 2008, EKYTHKA provided assistance to two victims of trafficking. COUNSELING CENTER OF ATHENS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Run by the governmental General Secretariat for Gender Equality, the Center's hotline provided assistance to two victims of trafficking in 2008. EKKA: Run by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and runs two shelters for victims of trafficking and abuse. From 2004-2008, EKKA reported providing accommodation and assistance to 55 female victims of trafficking. During that time period, EKKA also referred 67 victims to other shelters and legal aid organizations. EUROPEAN NETWORK OF WOMEN (ENOW): Private NGO receiving some government funding. In 2008, ENOW provided shelter to 35 female victims of trafficking, mostly younger women. 17 were from Romania (mostly Roma),11 from Russia, 3 from Nigeria, 2 from Albania, and 1 each from Bulgaria and Lithuania. ENOW assisted 30 women in obtaining legal documentation. ENOW monitored 6 victims who had left the shelter but were assisting the government in law enforcement investigations. ENOW provided interpretation services and support via its hotline, which received 120 calls in 2008. GREEK COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES (GCR): Private NGO receiving some government funding and focusing on legal aid for refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking. In 2008, GCR provided legal assistance to 34 female victims of trafficking in coordination with the Anti-TIP Unit of the Hellenic Police. INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPORT OF FAMILIES (DESO): Private NGO, receiving some government funding. In 2008, DESO provided assistance, shelter, and/or psychological support to 11 female victims of trafficking. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM): International Organization receiving some government funding. In 2008, IOM Greece provided voluntary repatriation and NGO referral assistance to 60 victims of trafficking. INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION (IPA): Private NGO receiving some government funding. In 2008, IPA assisted 10 victims of trafficking, providing protection and safe repatriation services. KLIMAKA: Private NGO receiving some government funding. In 2008, KLIMAKA provided shelter to 25 female victims of trafficking. Its shelter closed in April 2008 and after that date KILMAKA provided "outpatient" assistance to a further 15 victims. NEA ZOI: Faith-based NGO associated with evangelical Protestant churches, receiving no government funding but some government training. (Featured "TIP Hero" in the 2008 TIP Report.) In 2008, Nea Zoi reported assisting 110 female victims of trafficking, all prostitutes. 55 were from Nigeria, 27 from Romania, 14 from Bulgaria, 8 from Albania, and 6 from Russia. SOLIDARITY: Faith-based NGO associated with the Greek Orthodox Church, receiving some government funding. In 2008, Solidarity provided job training, shelter, psychological, and/or medical assistance to 18 victims of trafficking. ATHENS 00000205 006 OF 010 -- H. Do the government's law enforcement, immigration, and social services personnel have a formal system of proactively identifying victims of trafficking among high-risk persons with whom they come in contact (e.g., foreign persons arrested for prostitution or immigration violations)? For countries with legalized prostitution, does the government have a mechanism for screening for trafficking victims among persons involved in the legal/regulated commercial sex trade? Formally, the government's law enforcement, immigration, and social services personnel all receive training on identifying victims of trafficking. The Anti-TIP Police, in particular, have specialized training in identifying and providing support for TIP victims among high-risk groups. This training comes from a variety of sources: NGOs, other government agencies, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, etc. The "vice squad" (the Prostitution and Gambling Division of the Hellenic Police) is responsible for screening prostitutes, both licensed and unlicensed, for potential trafficking victims. In practice, however, victim identification procedures, especially among front-line Border Police, Coast Guard, and "vice squad" officers, need to be strengthened. NGOs reported that victim identification was the government's greatest weakness in combating trafficking in persons. While the specialized Anti-Trafficking Police did a good job with victim identification and support, NGOs stated that trafficking victims were far more likely to be first encountered by a Border Police or Coast Guard officer detaining illegal migrants or a "vice squad" officer patrolling a red-light district. In 2008, the government made multiple efforts to address this problem. The Anti-TIP Police provides regular training to "vice squad" officers on victim identification, and the MOJ and MFA, in coordination with IOM, have provided anti-trafficking training to Coast Guard officers. The Anti-TIP Police distributed interactive training guides on the government's "Ilaeira" anti-TIP initiative to all police commanders in the country. One example of excellent cooperation between law enforcement and NGOs in victim identification occurred in February 2009. Anti-Trafficking Police officers identified two male Romanian victims of labor trafficking in Patras, and transferred them to IOM for shelter and repatriation. The two victims were provided shelter by ACT UP, an NGO specializing in male TIP victims. IOM coordinated between its Athens and Bucharest missions to ensure the safe and voluntary repatriation o the two victims. -- I. Are the rights of victims respected? Are trafficking victims detained or jailed? If so, for how long? Are victims fined? Are victims prosecuted for violations of other laws, such as those governing immigration or prostitution? Overall, officially-recognized victims of trafficking are treated well by the government. Victims who supported the government in an investigation received support and legal counseling from NGOs, police protection, and a reprieve of crimes committed their victimization (mostly illegal prostitution and/or immigration violations). They can receive temporary, renewable legal residency at no charge. However, victims typically only get official status if they testify or provide material support to an investigation. Otherwise, victims only have the option of voluntary repatriation, or remaining in Greece in possible violation of immigration laws. NGOs report that many unlicensed prostitutes in Greece are victims of sex trafficking. These victims, who do not have official recognition, may be detained or jailed. If detained by the "vice squad," unlicensed sex workers are typically arraigned in an expedited court proceeding, assessed a fine, and then released. The Aliens Police, responsible for enforcing migration laws, can detain unlicensed sex workers without legal residency on immigration violations. This can result in detentio of up to three months in a migration detentin center. ATHENS 00000205 007 OF 010 -- J. Does the government encourage victims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking? How many victims assisted in the investigation and prosecution of traffickers during the reporting period? May victims file civil suits or seek legal action against traffickers? Does anyone impede victim access to such legal redress? If a victim is a material witness in a court case against a former employer, is the victim permitted to obtain other employment or to leave the country pending trial proceedings? Are there means by which a victim may obtain restitution? The government does encourage TIP victims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases. There is strong NGO support for some victims during court cases, and NGO representatives who have been present at trials state that without such support, many victims would be emotionally unable to testify. While statistics on the number of victims providing assistance were unavailable for 2008, an adequate proxy statistic is the number of newly recognized trafficking victims (16 in 2008),or alternatively, the number of new residence permits granted to TIP victims (27 in 2008). The process of granting official victim status and issuing a victim's residency permit is only put into motion after victims agree to cooperate with authorities in the prosecution of their traffickers. Once the temporary residency permit is issued, the victim is legally allowed to obtain other employment in Greece. The Anti-Trafficking Police reported that they helped facilitate the temporary repatriation of victims willing to assist or testify in an investigation. Greek legislation provides for the confiscation of proceeds of criminal enterprises but these proceeds can not be given to TIP victims for restitution. Victims may obtain restitution only if they file civil suits against traffickers. This is very difficult in practice, given the high cost of filing civil lawsuits and the inefficiency of the administrative court system. Cost and the prospect of protracted delays serve as the main deterrents for victims to pursue restitution or damages in civil court. -- K. Does the government provide any specialized training for government officials in identifying trafficking victims and in the provision of assistance to trafficked victims, including the special needs of trafficked children? Does the government provide training on protections and assistance to its embassies and consulates in foreign countries that are destination or transit countries? What is the number of trafficking victims assisted by the host country's embassies or consulates abroad during the reporting period? Please explain the type of assistance provided (travel documents, referrals to assistance, payment for transportation home). The government provides specialized TIP victim training to police personnel, prosecutors, and social services staff. The Anti-Trafficking Police coordinate victim identification and assistance training, in cooperation with NGOs and IOs such as IOM, for police divisions nationwide. The police also conduct regular retraining sessions and conferences on trafficking issues. The MFA, as part of its regular consular training module, provides diplomatic and consular officers with anti-trafficking training. This training is focused primarily on the visa fraud and malfeasance aspects of human trafficking. On an ad-hoc basis, the MFA also provides victim identification and assistance training to diplomatic and Hellenic Aid personnel. As there are no known cases of Greeks as victims of trafficking, the MFA did not report assisting any Greek victims with repatriation to Greece. -- L. Does the government provide assistance, such as medical aid, shelter, or financial help, to its nationals who are repatriated as victims of trafficking? Not applicable - Greece is not a source country for TIP victims. -- M. Which international organizations or NGOs, if any, work with trafficking victims? What type of services do they provide? What ATHENS 00000205 008 OF 010 sort of cooperation do they receive from local authorities? IOs and NGOs provide a wide variety of anti-trafficking services, from shelters and legal aid for victim to repatriation and regional law enforcement coordination. In general, NGOs report excellent cooperation with the Anti-Trafficking Police with victim referrals, training, and protective custody. NGOs also apply for government grants and receive funding from a number of ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hellenic Aid),Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of the Interior. However, NGOs reported increasing difficulty in accessing government funding. For a full discussion of funding issues, please see the section on the government's limitations on addressing trafficking. For statistics on the number of victims assisted by each NGO, please see the section on the government's victim assistance activities. (NOTE: IOs and NGOs that have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Interministerial Committee for Trafficking in Persons are considered "official" partners of the Greek government for anti-trafficking activities. The government unofficially cooperates with NGOs that have not signed an MOC, especially for victim referral and support services. END NOTE.) INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (IOs): INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM): Led by Daniel Esdras, IOM's Greece mission is one of the most active organizations on anti-trafficking issues. Coordinates with the government on repatriation of victims; conducts seminars and TIP training for NGOs, social workers, police officers, prosecutors, judges, and the diplomatic corps; oversees public awareness programs on trafficking; active member of the MFA-led working-level interministerial task force on TIP. IOM has excellent cooperation with local authorities and receives government funding for its projects. IOM is also a lead drafter of the Greek government's yearly report on anti-trafficking efforts. IOM signed a MOC with the Interministerial Committee. UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR): The UNHCR mission in Greece monitors the conditions of refugees and partners with the government to improve its treatment of asylum seekers. UNHCR provides training and reporting on victims of trafficking. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs): A21: A new international NGO established in 2008 and based in Thessaloniki. Founded by a prosecutor, A21 runs a small shelter for TIP victims and promotes public awareness activities. A21 liaises with local police officials and is involved in the legislative process for trafficking-related laws. ACT UP: Provides STD and HIV screening, active in street advocacy work, victim identification and support, and referral to government officials. ACT UP specializes in male victims of sex trafficking, especially from Afghanistan and Africa. Receives government funding. ASSOCIATION FOR THE SOCIAL SUPPORT OF YOUTH (ARSIS): One of the most active NGOs on anti-trafficking issues, ARSIS is based in Thessaloniki and receives significant government funding for its domestic and regional projects. Conducts victim identification, public awareness, and lobbying activities. Partners with Terre des Hommes in the Hellenic Aid and USAID-funded TACT project for Albanian child trafficking victims; is one of the NGOs expected to implement the Albania Child Repatriation Agreement. Excellent relationship with government authorities and with the police. ARSIS signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. CENTER FOR REHABILITATION OF TORTURE VICTIMS (CRTV): Activities include victim shelters, counseling and psychiatric support, legal aid, and public awareness initiatives. CRTV has regular ad-hoc cooperation with government officials, especially with local police authorities, and receives TIP victim referrals. Receives government funding. CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION (EKYTHKA): Provides ATHENS 00000205 009 OF 010 temporary shelter and offers psychological and legal support to victims. Good cooperation with Greek authorities. Receives GoG funding. Signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. COUNSELING CENTER OF ATHENS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: A government-affiliated NGO run by the General Secretariat for Gender Equality. Provides a hotline for victims of trafficking. EKKA: A government-affiliated NGO run by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Operates two shelters for TIP victims, one in Thessaloniki and one in Athens. Provides psychological, vocational, and legal assistance. The Athens shelter was closed for much of 2008 but EKKA reopened its Athens shelter in January 2009. EUROPEAN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW CENTER: Organized a series of multilateral, regional meetings to discuss NGO best practices in combating TIP. Final meeting was in 2008. Good cooperation with the government; receives government funding. EUROPEAN NETWORK OF WOMEN (ENOW): Active anti-trafficking NGO that offers a multilingual victim hotline, a shelter, psychological and counseling support, legal aid, government advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. ENOW has good cooperation with local authorities, provides translation services for victims, and receives government funding. Due to delays in grant disbursements, ENOW was forced to suspend operation of its shelter in late 2008. Signed a MOC with the Interministerial Committee. GREEK COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES (GCR): The UNHCR's official NGO partner for refugee and asylum issues, GCR also provides legal aid, advocacy, family contact services, and TIP-related training. GCR specializes in legal assistance issues and coordinates both full-time and pro bono lawyers. GCR has good cooperation with local authorities, receives government funding, and signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. GREEK HELSINKI MONITOR (GHM): An NGO focusing on human rights, religious freedom, anti-Semitism, and trafficking issues. Specializes in researching and publicizing human rights abuses, advocacy, and lobbying. Due to its active criticism of the government, GHM does not have good cooperation with the Greek authorities. HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENSE CENTER (KEPAD): KEPAD specializes in legal and academic research on human rights and trafficking issues. Is the primary Greek coordinator of the Ariadne Regional Network, a network of NGOs throughout Eastern Europe that focus on best practices for anti-trafficking NGOs and government authorities. Is an ECOSOC observer at the United Nations. Regularly publishes research on anti-trafficking best practices. KEPAD has excellent cooperation with GoG and receives GoG funding. Signed MOC with Interministerial Council. INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPORT OF FAMILIES (DESO): DESO operates a shelter and provides food and clothing, medical, psychological, and advocacy services to TIP victims. DESO has good cooperation with local authorities and received government funding and in-kind donations (real estate for its shelter). DESO signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION (IPA): The IPA consists of active-duty and retired police officers and provides training for regional police forces on TIP. The IPA also provides protective custody and escort services for the authorities. Good cooperation with authorities and receives government funding. IPA signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. KLIMAKA: Active NGO that provides counseling, legal aid, and referral assistance to victims of trafficking. KLIMAKA closed its shelter in mid-2008 due to funding constraints and continued providing "outpatient" services to victims. NEA ZOI: Greek for "new life," Nea Zoi is a faith-based NGO that specializes in female victims of sex trafficking, particularly prostitutes. Nea Zoi organizes street advocacy, brothel visits, vocational training, and victim identification campaigns. Nea Zoi ATHENS 00000205 010 OF 010 works with local authorities on victim referrals. Does not receive government funding but receives government training. Emma Skjonsby was featured as a TIP Hero in the 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report. Signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. SMILE OF THE CHILD: A well-funded international NGO that runs the Greek Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. Specializes in child abuse and also supports anti-trafficking activities. Operates shelters for primarily Greek children but also non-Greek child victims of trafficking. Has active public awareness and lobbying campaigns. Smile of the Child has excellent cooperation with the government and signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. SOLIDARITY: An NGO affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church, Solidarity is well-funded and focuses on a wide variety of issues including international aid relief (for example, to Gaza), development, poverty alleviation, vocational training, counseling, and food kitchens. Solidarity also runs a shelter that accepts victims of trafficking. Has excellent cooperation with the government and is a major beneficiary of government funding. Signed the MOC with the Interministerial Committee. ¶4. (U) Greece 2009 TIP Report Submission continued SEPTEL. SPECKHARD