VZCZCXYZ0032
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHEG #0270/01 0431357
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 121357Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8129
UNCLAS CAIRO 000270
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ELA AND G/TIP (FARAJ)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG EG
SUBJECT: CAIRO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2008 TIP SOLICITATION
REF: 2007 SECSTATE 161293
1. We have reviewed three anti trafficking-in-persons project
proposals in response to reftel request for our recommendations for
FY 2008 INCLE and ESF appropriations. Summary evaluations are
below. We have forwarded full proposals to G/TIP and NEA POCs per
reftel instructions.
2. We endorse the proposal submitted by the International Research
and Exchanges Board (IREX) for FY 2008 ESF funds. The IREX proposal
emphasizes strengthening the capacity of the Egyptian National
Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and the National Council
for Women (NCW) to provide victims services, followed by
strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) to work with those
governmental bodies. The NCCM and NCW are at the forefront of the
Government of Egypt's (GoE) efforts to address trafficking.
Additionally, and the GoE's anti-trafficking lead at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs has told us that improving governmental and
non-governmental victim protection services, and improving the
coordination between the two, is a GoE anti-trafficking priority.
Finally, IREX's proposal to work with the Egyptian Center for
Development Services - an established and well-respected Egyptian
organization - addresses potential GoE sensitivities to receiving
aid from U.S. organizations.
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IREX
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3. Applicant: International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX)
Total funding: $382,180 (federal share), $0 (non-federal share)
Project title: Strengthening Skills and Collaboration to Combat
Trafficking in Persons in Egypt
Project Duration: 12 months
Proposal abstract:
Although there is a widespread problem with human trafficking in
Egypt, the government and civil society have done little to address
the problem. However, new policies adopted in 2007 by the government
of Egypt and an increase in leadership on anti-trafficking issues by
government aligned organizations have created a promising window of
opportunity that might allow for a systematic effort to coordinate
activities and significantly strengthen Egypt's efforts to combat
human trafficking. IREX's 12 month program pursues this opportunity.
The program will be implemented in the Cairo metropolitan area,
focusing on key federal institutions and other agencies and
organizations that have established credibility in dealing with
trafficking issues. IREX will provide support and mentor
organizations to strengthen their understanding of human trafficking
issues and increase their ability to engage one another. It will
facilitate government and civil society stakeholders to develop
mechanisms for collaboration, share information and improve
prevention, protection and prosecution programs. It also will
strengthen the capacity of NGOs working in Cairo and its
metropolitan area to work on anti-trafficking issues, and promote an
understanding of the multi-dimensional roles civil society can play.
Finally, it will link these organizations with the NCW, NCCM, and
government institutions.
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CEDPA
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4. Applicant: Centre for Development and Populations Activities
(CEDPA)
Total funding: $499,839 (federal share), $0 (non-federal share)
Project title: Partnerships Against Trafficking in Persons
Project Duration: 24 months
Proposal abstract:
Egypt is a country of origin, destination, and transit for human
trafficking and is listed by the U.S. Department of State as a "Tier
2 Watch List" country. The Government of Egypt has made little
progress in addressing the issues of trafficking, which leaves
providing prevention and protection largely to civil society. As
such, civil society can serve an important role in advocating for
policies, serving a "watchdog" function in monitoring government
progress, and in providing direct services.
The proposed Partnerships Against Trafficking in Persons (PATH) will
be a two-year project, with the overall goal of increasing civil
society's engagement with the government in the fight against
trafficking. PATH will build on CEDPA's extensive experience in
Egypt. In close collaboration with three established
non-governmental (NGO) partners, CEDPA will implement PATH
activities in the three governorates of Alexandria, Asiut, and Qena.
PATH will meet three objectives to achieve the project goal:
1) Establishing an NGO coalition to address issues of trafficking.
The coalition will engage with, provide assistance to, and monitor
local governments in implementing anti-trafficking responses. The
coalition will also advocate for increased resources for long-term
rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficking victims and better
coordination among different stakeholders for prevention and
awareness activities.
2) Increase community awareness of trafficking. PATH will conduct
community awareness campaigns, train police and public officials,
and create community champions to provide leadership in combating
the problem.
3) Increase collaboration among organizations providing protection
services. PATH will create a referral database for each governorate,
establish collaborative mechanisms, increase awareness of services
available, and leverage private sector resources to increase
economic opportunities for at-risk women and youth.
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IOM
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5. Applicant: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Total funding: $190,415 (federal share), $0 (non-federal share)
Project title: Enhancing Understanding on Human Trafficking within
the Framework of Irregular Migration and Building Capacity of the
Government Officials in Egypt to Address these Issues
Project Duration: 24 months
Proposal abstract:
The issue of trafficking is an extremely sensitive matter in Egypt,
and so far, the GoE insists that the main problem Egypt is facing is
that of irregular migration as opposed to trafficking per se. This
projects aims to address the phenomenon of trafficking within the
larger framework of irregular migration in Egypt in all its facets
and complexities taking into consideration the country's
geographical situation at the crossroads between Asia, Africa and
Europe.
By raising awareness of Egyptian officials of the dangers and
challenges of such a phenomenon, IOM will thus contribute to the
protection of the victims of trafficking through a victim-centered
and rights based approach.
The project would take place over a period of two years and would be
implemented in Cairo, Egypt with the Ministry of Manpower and
Migration as the main counterpart, but would also be working
directly with the Ministry of Interior. The capacity building
component, particularly that of MoI officials, would ensure
sustainability once the project is over. Ricciardone