Cablegate: Goc Receives Tier One Tip Score Enthusiastically

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RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN
RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHVB #0421 1571519
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 051519Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8372
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000421

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/PGI, G/TIP, INL, DRL, AND IWI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KCRM KWMN PREL HR TRAFFICKING
SUBJECT: GOC RECEIVES TIER ONE TIP SCORE ENTHUSIASTICALLY

REF: STATE 58447

1. On July 3rd, per REFTEL, POLOFF delivered news of
Croatia's upgraded TIER 1 rating to TIP National Coordinator
Luka Maderic, who also serves as the Head of the Government
Office of Human Rights. The GoC enthusiastically received the
news of Croatia's full compliance with the minimum standards
for the elimination of trafficking.

2. With its victim-centered approach in response to
trafficking, Croatia has more than doubled the number of
trafficking convictions from the previous year. Croatian
courts have significantly reduced their use of suspended
sentences for convicted traffickers, continued proactive law
enforcement training and initiated new public awareness
raising projects during the reporting period. Future plans
include the airing of a nationwide demand reduction campaign
featuring prominent sports figures and linked to major events
such as the up-coming European soccer championships.
Anti-trafficking messages will also continue to be a part of
training for NATO troops prior to deployment abroad.

3. COMMENT: POLOFF discussed at length with Mr. Maderic the
need to continue working with Croatia's independent judiciary
to toughen sentences imposed on convicted traffickers, as
well as further efforts to enhance proactive identification
of women in prostitution and migrants who transit the
country. Mr. Maderic fully agreed and pledged to work towards
these ends. The affirmation and acknowledgment of the
positive efforts Croatia has made over the past four years
will undoubtedly energize the GOC to continue its solid work
to combat trafficking in persons. END COMMENT
Bradtke

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