MONITORING OF 2009 G/TIP FUND GRANTED TO

UNCLAS BEIRUT 001250 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM KTIP KWMN KCRM LE SUBJECT: MONITORING OF 2009 G/TIP FUND GRANTED TO CARITAS/ICMC PROJECT REF: STATE 112705 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 28, emboffs conducted a site visit with G/TIP visitor Rachel Yousey to the Caritas Safe House, which is part of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center's "Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking" USG-funded project. This review and evaluation of project results was conducted in accordance with reftel. The Safe House aims to provide protection and assistance to victims of trafficking in Lebanon. Caritas has been diligent in providing regular status updates to Post on their operations, progress and future plans. End summary. SITE VISIT TO THE SAFE HOUSE -------------- ¶2. (SBU) During the site visit, emboffs discussed the project with Caritas' Migrant Worker's Director Najla Chahda in addition to social workers staying at the Safe House. At the time of the visit, there were 27 domestic workers, two social workers and a nun living at the Safe House providing care and counseling 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Safe House was well-kept and neat. According to residents who spoke to emboffs, Caritas provides a safe, supportive and caring environment. During one in-depth interview with a resident, the victim explained that she had suffered severe abuse, including large burns from an iron on the chest and shoulders, and ears showing deformity from alleged beatings with shoes and fists at the hands of her former employer. She was suffering from both physical and emotional trauma from the experience, and in addition to medical and psychological care, Caritas is assisting the victim in her legal proceedings. OBJECTIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS -------------- ¶3. (SBU) During the review period from May 1 through October 31, 2009, the Caritas Safe House rendered all services specified for the project. Based on statistics provided by Caritas and an audit of reports by emboffs, the Safe House provided 38 individuals with shelter, counseling and other services during the period. A total of 73 referrals were received from various sources, including Surete Generale (SG),Internal Security Forces (ISF),recruitment agencies, and the help hotline, as well as other embassies, consulates and NGOs. Of these cases, 36 clients received medical assistance. Through other telephone contacts and referrals, 126 individuals benefited from legal assistance and counseling. Repatriation assistance was provided to 33 individuals, with employers paying in 27 cases, Caritas paying in five cases, and the family of the beneficiary paying in one case. ¶4. (SBU) Another objective specified for the project during the rating period included the implementation of training programs designed to strengthen reception and detention capacities. The programs included various instructional sessions, formal workshops and training materials for select ISF and SG personnel. A study visit to the Czech Republic was conducted for six SG officers from July 20 to 24. Their activities and training included sessions at the Refugee Facilities Administration, Department of Asylum and Migration, Ministry of Interior, the reception center at Prague Ruzyne Airport and two detention centers. The training included review and demonstration of the procedures and best practices, as well as the roles and responsibilities, of each organization. ¶5. (SBU) The Caritas Safe House and ICMC have adequately accomplished all objectives during the review period. Satisfaction with the Safe House services was rated as very high or excellent by clients as well as by referring organizations, such as SG and ISF. During the rating period, Caritas reported encountering some obstacles, which were ultimately overcome. One example was that personnel changes in SG at the "retention center" resulted in appointment of a new commander at the facility who was not supportive -- or even obstructive -- of Caritas' presence and projects in the retention center. Nonetheless, Caritas succeeded in providing victims' services and advocating for detainees. Due to the organization's persistence and standards of professionalism, Caritas successfully appealed to higher SG authorities to include the recalcitrant commander in two training programs designed to sensitize him (and adjust his bureaucratic policies) on migrant and victims' issues. When emboffs met with the retention center commander on October 27, he mentioned the positive influence of the training on his policies and his new appreciation for the challenges in dealing with victims of trafficking. ¶6. (SBU) COMMENT: Caritas' broad knowledge in the field of trafficking has enabled its staff to work very efficiently. Additionally, Caritas has developed a good, cooperative relationship with the Surete Generale and now maintains a full-time office in the heart of the SG retention center. Consequently, this cooperation helped facilitate the work of the Caritas team and lead to better assistance and protection of the victims of trafficking referred by the SG. The sustainability of this project remains dependent on G/TIP's expeditious and prompt funding mechanism. Caritas has been granted approval for a 2009-2011 continuation of its Safe House and counseling activities and we strongly encourage this continued cooperation with Caritas. Based on our experience and in situ observations, Caritas is a cost-effective and trusted steward of these project funds. DAUGHTON