G/TiP: KEEPING ZAMBIA ENERGIZED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUSAKA 000760 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/S, G/TIP STEPHANIE KRONENBURG PROGRAM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KWMN KOCI SMIG SOCI PREF ZA SUBJECT: G/TiP: KEEPING ZAMBIA ENERGIZED LUSAKA 00000760 001.4 OF 002 ZFR ZFR ZFR ZFR ZFR ZFR LUSAKA 00000760 002 OF 002 the officials had gone through VSU training. Worse still, none was aware of provisions of the new law calling for victim protection. ¶8. (SBU) Whereas Zambian authorities previously had to cobble together various elements of the penal code to levy some form of deportation notice or fine on traffickers, Home Affairs contacts note, the new 2008 Act defines the elements of a trafficking crime and provides for punishment. ¶9. (SBU) Zambian courts are just starting to hear cases under the new legislation. A Namibian citizen is currently being tried under charges of trafficking children to Namibia for farm and domestic labor. Note: Zambian Social Welfare officials plan a visit to these children following Embassy inquiries into the case. End note. -------------- "BREAK THE CHAIN" - PREVENTION AND PROTECTION -------------- ¶10. (SBU) While the GRZ is formulating its overall comprehensive prevention-oriented media strategy, recent "Break the Chain" campaigns, including a radio soap opera (Ref A) already seem to have made an impact. A group of female high-school students from the government-run Chibote School clearly articulated their role as anti-trafficking sensitization "Community Ambassadors" and had a lively exchange with Kronenburg at the American Corner in Kitwe. The students were joined by representatives from the YWCA, which plays a major role as government partner in victim protection. ¶11. (SBU) Visits to secure YWCA shelters for victims of gender violence and trafficking in Lusaka and Kitwe highlighted the importance of the IOM-sponsored hotline in victim referrals and the need for additional shelters. GRZ Social Welfare Director Rose Matupo said that the GRZ envisions the establishment of shelters in eight of Zambia's nine provinces, with initial emphasis on border areas. In the meantime, the government relies on YWCA facilities. -------------- --- PROOF IN THE THREE P'S: KEEPING ZAMBIA ON TRACK -------------- --- ¶12. (SBU) Comment: While GRZ and NGO interlocutors energetically go about implementing the Anti-TiP Act, we are still in the optimistic phase where it seems that only good can prevail in the fight against traffickers. IOM, ILO, UNICEF and RSO training are helping to create a cadre of professionals well-versed in basic prevention, prosecution and protection anti-TiP skills. ¶13. (SBU) Keeping that momentum up and ensuring that Zambia keeps out of the watchlist category means mustering available resources at a time when political will and public interest are high. Zambia needs to deliver on promises to provide more comprehensive victim support and develop the skills needed to successfully investigate crime and prosecute traffickers. To this end, Post advocates consideration of Zambia in the list of countries eligible for FY2010 ESF and INCLE funding to complement work being done both under the UN Joint Program and with current G/TiP resources. End comment. ¶14. (U) Stephanie Kronenburg was not able to clear this cable. BOOTH