HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO TIP RANKING

UNCLAS HONG KONG 001103

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR G/TIP, G, DRL, INL, EAP/RSP, EAP/CM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KTIP KCRM PHUM SMIG HK
SUBJECT: HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO TIP RANKING
DOWNGRADE

REF: SECSTATE 60446


1. (SBU) Per reftel instructions, Post met with Principal
Assistant Secretary for Security W.H. Chow June 16 to inform
him of Hong Kong's TIP ranking downgrade and provide a
preview of Hong Kong's narrative in the 2009 Trafficking in
Persons report.


2. (SBU) Principal Assistant Secretary Chow was dismayed to
learn that Hong Kong has been downgraded from Tier 1 to Tier
2 in this year's TIP report. After completing a line-by-line
comparison of this year's narrative with last year's text,
Chow argued the language on Hong Kong's lack of trafficking
investigations and prosecutions was "misleading." He noted
the language could be misinterpreted to imply the Hong Kong
government did nothing when potential trafficking cases are
brought to its attention. Chow insisted that is not the case
at all. The truth, Chow explained, is that Hong Kong law
enforcement "rigorously" follows up on all investigate leads,
but there simply has been very little evidence of human
trafficking in Hong Kong. Chow also emphasized that Hong
Kong law enforcement cannot pursue trafficking cases if
foreign consulates do not inform Hong Kong authorities of
incidents where their nationals are victims of trafficking, a
reference to the report's mention of seven trafficking
victims assisted by a foreign consulate.


3. (SBU) Poloff restated the USG's concern that the Hong Kong
government may be failing to proactively identify trafficking
victims amongst the large, and continuously growing, number
of foreign domestic helpers and prostitutes working in Hong
Kong. Noting that the fight against human trafficking
requires the efforts of all sectors of society, Poloff
encouraged the Hong Kong government to enhance engagement
with NGOs, foreign consulates, local businesses, and other
stakeholders in its overall anti-TIP efforts.


4. (SBU) After stating his government is not "comfortable"
with a Tier 2 ranking, Chow stressed that Hong Kong wants to
return to a Tier 1 ranking and asked what specific measures
need to be undertaken to achieve that goal. Poloff
elaborated on the four recommendations included in the
report, with Chow taking detailed notes during the
discussion. Poloff stressed the USG's commitment to
partnering with the Hong Kong government in addressing all
aspects of the trafficking issue, to include arranging
relevant USG training and helping identify available
materials that can be incorporated into public awareness
campaigns. Chow said his government welcomes new
opportunities to work with the USG on TIP.


5. (SBU) Chow concluded the meeting by reiterating his
government's commitment to eradicating human trafficking. He
said even if Hong Kong had remained in Tier 1, the Hong Kong
government is always looking for ways "to do better." Chow
told us his department has yet to decide whether to issue a
formal press release responding to the report or just have
remarks on hand for media inquires. Either way, their
primary message is to reassure the Hong Kong public that the
government continues to take human trafficking very seriously
and encourage Hong Kong citizens to report suspected
trafficking crimes. Poloff expressed the USG's appreciation
for Hong Kong government's responsiveness and willingness to
help us better understand Hong Kong's TIP situation, and said
we look forward to continuing our excellent working
relationship.


6. (SBU) Comment: This year's TIP report clearly has gotten
the Hong Kong government's attention, and Post expects
increased opportunities to engage with Hong Kong counterparts
on TIP issues in this reporting year. Post welcomes G/TIP's
involvement in reaching out to the Hong Kong government, and
recommends that G/TIP visits to Post take place earlier in
the information-gathering phase to allow adequate time to
address problem areas that may surface. End comment.
MARUT