Cablegate: Results Report: Itt "Trafficking In
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 QUITO 002890
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR ECA/PE/V/G/W, WHA/PDA; WHA/AND
GUAYAQUIL FOR NOUHRA
E.O. 12958:
TAGS: SCUL KPAO OEXC EC
SUBJECT: Results Report: ITT "Trafficking in
Persons," October 7-November 4
REFTEL: Quito 1386
1. Summary: The two participants reported the trip was
extremely useful and well-designed, and generated many
ideas they hope to implement in Ecuador. Though the
U.S. has far greater resources, the participants felt
that the root problem is the same and the methods for
dealing with the issue are applicable in both countries.
The visitors have a lengthy list of contacts and follow-
up activities they plan to pursue. End Summary.
2. Date: October 7-November 4, 2005, first quarter, FY
06.
3. MPP Theme and Audience Reached: Democracy, Combating
Trafficking in Persons (TIPs). As leaders on TIPS
issues within the national Police and in the Ministry of
Government, the participants have the potential to shape
anti-trafficking policy at the national level.
4. Justification and Objective: See reftel.
5. Description of Activity: Three-week ITT for Ecuador
on Trafficking in Persons. The visitors traveled to
Washington, D.C.; Seattle, WA; Houston, TX; San Diego,
CA and Tallahassee, FL.
6. Result/Impact: Excellent. Highlights follow:
Nelly Jacome, who is Director of Gender Issues at the
Ministry of Government, and Major Mery Jimenez, who
leads the police unit dedicated to child protection,
said they learned a great deal about trafficking issues
and about the U.S. in general. There were enthusiastic
about maintaining contact with U.S. counterparts,
implementing changes in Ecuador and building a stronger
anti-trafficking network both within Ecuador and
throughout Latin America.
Both commented that though the U.S. has far greater
resources to implement anti-trafficking programs and
assist victims, the problem is essentially the same in
both countries. They were somewhat surprised that the
U.S. also has trouble estimating the extent of the
trafficking problem, just as does Ecuador. They were
impressed by the degree of coordination among NGOs and
government at all levels, though they recognized that at
times communication does break down between local and
federal government. Jimenez noted that NGOs are
independent, yet benefit from government support in many
areas. She discussed the need in Ecuador to improve
coordination and sharing of information between
government entities and NGOs assisting victims.
Though they found virtually all their meetings useful,
they found meetings with police in San Diego and border
patrol agents in Houston to be especially interesting.
They also commented that they found the work of an NGO
in Seattle dedicated to promote women's participation in
the political process to be inspiring. Jacome hopes to
bring members of the NGO to Ecuador in the next year to
conduct workshops. She also was impressed by the level
of personal commitment on the part of those involved in
anti-trafficking issues. The women also enjoyed meeting
with many female representatives of law enforcement
agencies, government entities and NGOs.
Jacome is pursuing joint projects with many of the NGOs
with whom she met. She also hopes to instigate a study
to capture the extent of human trafficking in Ecuador so
that those combating the problem can better focus their
efforts. Jimenez is working to organize a Latin America
conference on trafficking issues for police from
throughout the region. She also noted the need to
better use the advantages Ecuador has in comparison to
the U.S. - for example, Ecuador has one national police
force, which should simplify coordination on trafficking
issues.
The visitors had three suggestions for improving the
program. First, they said they would have liked to end
their visit in Washington because during the program
they formed many questions they would have liked to pose
to their Washington interlocutors. Second, they would
suggest a visit to a shelter for trafficking victims
(however, they emphasized that their meeting with
shelter officials was excellent and that they understood
the need to protect the privacy of victims by keeping
the shelter itself off limits to outsiders).
Finally, they noted that there was little time for
cultural activities since by the time meetings ended,
museums and similar institutions were closed. They also
did not have an opportunity to enjoy home hospitality,
which they would have enjoyed (Note: The visitors
arrived two days late due to visa issuance delays. In
addition, the planned program in Miami had to be moved
to Tallahassee at the last minute because of a
hurricane. These may have been factors in the lack of
time for purely cultural activities or home
hospitality.)
7. Media Coverage: N/A.
8. Non-USG Support: N/A.
9. Quality of Support: Excellent. The visitors said the
entire program was well-organized and the logistical
support excellent. They said the program in Tallahassee
was very good despite the fact that it had been arranged
at the last minute due to the hurricane disrupting the
planned program in Miami.
JEWELL