INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Solicitation for Anti-Tip Bilateral Proposal For

Published: Tue 13 Apr 2004 01:50 PM
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MAPUTO 000513
SIPDIS
G/TIP FOR GHOLLIDAY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM KWMN ASEC SMIG PHUM ELAB MZ DHRF
SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR ANTI-TIP BILATERAL PROPOSAL FOR
MOZAMBIQUE
REF: STATE 02738
1. Overview of request: Post is requesting bilateral G/TIP
funding in the amount of $250,900 for a technical assistance
program to develop critically needed national
anti-trafficking legislation in Mozambique. This project will
be implemented through the International Organization for
Migration (IOM), which has extensive experience in anti-TIP
programs in the Southern African region, including
Mozambique. The timeframe for the project is 10-12 months.
The government of Mozambique (GRM) has become increasingly
engaged in combating trafficking through high-level public
recognition of the problem, calls for development of anti-TIP
legislation, and investigations by the Attorney General's
office into alleged cases of trafficking. However, the lack
of anti-TIP legislation has precluded prosecutions of alleged
traffickers. GRM officials and NGOs have cited the
development of anti-TIP legislation as a critical element to
enhanced anti-trafficking efforts. Support for the
development of anti-TIP legislation project would also serve
to compliment on-going USG activities to strengthen
Mozambique's judicial system and professionalism of the
police. NGOs, IOM and the GRM were consulted in preparation
of this proposal.
2. Background to the Request. Mozambique is a country of
origin for internationally trafficked women and children.
South Africa is the principal receiving country for
trafficked persons from Mozambique, though trafficking is
also believed to occur within the country. There are no
reliable numbers available on the extent of the problem.
Poverty, a history of child migration, cultural/religious
practices, and weak border controls are all factors
contributing to trafficking. Anti-trafficking legislation
does not currently exist, though trafficking can be addressed
under other laws. However, NGOs and government officials
acknowledge that criminalization of trafficking through
specific anti-trafficking legislation is essential for the
government to effectively investigate and prosecute
trafficking cases. In early 2004, the Attorney General's
office undertook an investigation in the northern provincial
capital of Nampula over allegations of trafficking in human
body parts and child disappearances. The wide-spread press
surrounding the Nampula case has led to calls by the
President and members of Parliament for the creation of
anti-trafficking legislation.
3. Development of Anti-Trafficking Legislation.
A - Project Description. The project will supplement IOM's
Southern African Counter-Trafficking Assistance Program to
deliver quality technical assistance in supporting the
development of counter-trafficking legislation that is both
consistent with international conventions and protocols, and
supportive of the region's best practices and lessons learned
and the process of harmonization of laws. The project will
focus on a series of workshops to be held over a 10-12 month
duration and will target key members of the Parliament,
legislative drafters, law enforcement and immigration
officials, and civil society. Specific focus areas to be
covered by the project include: 1) trafficking in persons
internationally and in the SADC region, 2) definitions and
international protocols, 3) victim protection, 4)
prosecution, and 5) prevention.
B - Sustainability. Host country commitment has been
exemplified through public statements by key government
officials calling for the creation of legislation. In March,
several members of Parliament stated that the Parliament was
ready to begin drafting anti-trafficking legislation. A
principal element of the project is building domestic
expertise on legal aspects of trafficking in persons. Thus,
the same core group of individuals will participate
throughout the project so that knowledge is cumulative. This
project has strong linkages to other USG programs.
Specifically, the Embassy is using INL funding for an
intermittent long-term International Criminal Investigative
Training Program (ICITAP) advisor to assist Mozambique's
Police Sciences Academy (ACIPOL) in management and curriculum
development, coordination of specialized training courses and
improved facilities. ICITAP plans to hold a course focused on
trafficking for late spring 2004. USAID is using DA and ESF
funds to improve the country's judicial system and more
effectively address corruption through support to
Mozambique's Anti-Corruption Unit (UAC). In addition, Post
is currently supporting several anti-trafficking or related
projects through DHRF, including a series of technical
seminars for immigration and police officials.
C - Evaluation/benchmarks. IOM will submit periodic
evaluations of the program and a final report. Successful
completion of the project will be based on the number of
participants from government and civil society participating
in each project activity and the development of materials.
Post will meet with participants regularly to assess the
results of assistance.
D - Budget. $250,900
International Legal Consultant $90,000
National Legal Consultant $30,000
Administrative Assistant $10,000
Workshop Costs (travel, venue, materials) $91,200
Office & Other Support Services $25,000
Statutory Overhead $4,700
LA LIME
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