REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 2009 TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT

UNCLAS BRAZZAVILLE 000328 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN PGOV PHUM SMIG SUBJECT: REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 2009 TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT REF: STATE 112432 1 (U) SUMMARY: Emboff met with representatives from UNICEF, UNFPA, the Congolese Ministry of Justice, and six local human rights NGOs that concentrate on issues related to trafficking in persons. Both government and civil society groups described government efforts that the GROC has undertaken, including collaboration with UN anti-trafficking efforts, creation of six judicial clinics to support victims of trafficking and to identify traffickers, and passage of child protection laws. ¶2. (U) Representatives from UNICEF and UNFPA reported government collaboration in a number of areas, including identification of trafficking victims and identification of traffickers through six free judicial clinics throughout the country. The Ministry of Social Affairs partnered with UNICEF to conduct research on indentifying trafficking victims. UNICEF reported collaboration with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Pointe Noire to train police officers to identify victims but were unable to state the exact number of officers trained. The six judicial clinics noted by UNFPA are government-supported and provide a forum to recognize both trafficking victims and traffickers. These clinics are year-round open clinics that are available for trafficking victims and other human rights violation victims to make their claims. Mr. Mavoungou, Director General of Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties at the Ministry of Justice, noted that limitations to the clinics are numerous, since many human rights and trafficking victims are reluctant to prosecute their offenders. ¶3. (U) Emboff also met with Mr. Valentin Mavoungou, who described government response to trafficking in persons, including the creation of a ministry task force to monitor trafficking in children, judicial clinic support, and upgrading procedures that regulate the prosecution of offenders. Mr. Mavoungou noted the support and passage of the Child Protection Code, which is awaiting Presidential signature to become law. Mr. Mavoungou did not have an estimate on when the President would sign the Child Protection Code, but noted that this is the last step in the process and is dependent upon the President. Mr. Mavoungou added that the ministry commented on one specific law currently underway and supported by the Ministry that regulates the prosecution of trafficking offenders. He did not have any estimate on when this law would enter Parliament or be passed. END COMMENT. EASTHAM