This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS  DUSHANBE 000050 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
STATE FOR EUR/CACEN, SA, G/TIP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SMIG KWMN TI
SUBJECT: TAJIKISTAN STRENGTHENS ANTI-TIP EFFORTS WITH U.S. 
ASSISTANCE 
 
 
¶1.  SUMMARY:  Tajikistan has made significant progress on 
combating trafficking-in-persons (TIP) violations, but efforts 
remain hindered by lack of extradition agreements, ineffective 
coordination, and deep-rooted social issues.  The government and 
the International Organization for Migration (IOM) -the leading 
the NGO in Tajikistan on TIP issues-drafted a national plan to 
combat TIP through 2010.  The Ministry for Internal Affairs 
(MOI) hopes to increase TIP staff and shift its focus to 
trafficking for slavery purposes; and the IOM has plans to 
create a coordination center and build a new shelter for TIP 
victims, all through the help of U.S. funds.  END SUMMARY. 
 
¶2.  According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOI), the 
government of Tajikistan launched 81 TIP cases in 2005 and 
convicted 58 people of trafficking-related crimes-a drastic 
increase from the 29 convictions in 2004.  The three government 
agencies dealing with TIP: the General Prosecutor's Office, the 
Ministry of Security and MOI.  All provide differing statistics 
but every agency's numbers show investigations, criminal charges 
and convictions have increased and indicate the Tajik government 
is serious in combating TIP.  In a meeting with PolOff January 
4, Djurakulov attributed progress against TIP to President 
Rahmonov's leadership encouraging attention to TIP. 
 
EXPECTED CHANGES IN 2006 
 
¶3.  The Tajik government understands the importance the United 
States places on combating international TIP and works to 
further institutional changes in 2006, which will ensure 
long-term progress.  One of Djurakulov's goals for 2006 is to 
strengthen contacts and cooperation with local law enforcement 
and high-level government officials in receiving countries such 
as the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Iran, and Turkey. 
Tajikistan is working to draft bilateral extradition agreements. 
 A lack of extradition agreements has prevented the Tajik 
authorities from detaining abroad known Tajik criminals and 
suspects who use other countries as a safe haven. 
 
¶4.  A working group of senior officials drafted the National 
Government Action Plan on People Trafficking for 2006-2010 with 
IOM input.  A national strategy will focus resources-presently a 
special commission on TIP and three disjointed government 
agencies work separately on TIP issues.  Currently under 
consideration, the plan includes measures to strengthen 
legislation to international standards and improves support for 
victim rehabilitation.  IOM officials complained to PolOff 
during a meeting December 28 the TIP legislation needs to be 
more stringent.  The law as it stands has many loopholes and is 
ineffective in prosecuting criminals.  Although traffickers have 
been arrested and imprisoned, they are not convicted under the 
Law on Combating Trafficking passed in 2004, but rather of other 
crimes such as "recruitment for exploitation". 
 
¶5.  The MOI has requested funds to establish special TIP 
sections and increase staff in every regional and district 
office.  Djurakulov plans to shift the department's focus to TIP 
for slavery purposes, including child slavery-a problem that has 
gone under the radar screen.  Thus far, combating TIP efforts 
have focused on women trafficked for prostitution.  In 
Tajikistan the huge stigma against victims force many to stay 
quiet about crimes against them, and victims do not trust law 
enforcement authorities to protect them.  The MOI continues to 
step up its efforts to educate the public about the government's 
commitment to combating TIP and ensuring victims' safety. 
 
ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES 
 
¶6.  The MOI relies on the United States to fund its TIP 
programs.  Post's Senior Law Enforcement Advisor (SLEA) has 
worked closely with INL to secure over $600,000 in organized 
crime fighting equipment for the Tajik government, which will be 
dispensed early 2006.  In addition, INL has granted over $1.3 
 
 
million to IOM to build a permanent shelter in Dushanbe and 
border checkpoint (location to be determined), provide legal 
assistance and education.  IOM is seeking funding to build a TIP 
Analysis and Coordination Center in Dushanbe to enhance 
cooperation and provide legal assistance. 
 
¶7.  The MOI and IOM have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 
the Sphere of Combating Trafficking in Persons, but both sides 
agree the relationship needs to improve.  Although grateful for 
IOM's assistance, in the meeting with PolOff, Djurakulov did not 
appear enthusiastic about IOM's programs and questioned the 
effectiveness of IOM's proposed center and shelters.  He also 
commented that the equipment IOM has given the MOI such as 
radios and video cameras are not the most comprehensive tools 
for combating TIP.  Post's SLEA noted that IOM received funds to 
implement the shelter one year ago, however IOM has failed to 
build the shelter because of their own foot-dragging. 
 
EASE OF TRAFFICKING IN CENTRAL ASIA CREATES DEMAND 
 
¶8.  The General Prosecutor of the northern Sughd region-where 
60% of TIP victims originate-linked TIP with funding 
international terrorist networks.  The Tajik government has 
given great credence to the MOI to fight TIP because of the 
social and national security ramifications. Criminal 
organizations increasingly target Central Asia for its weak 
border and migration regulations and ready supply of vulnerable 
people.  Poverty, lack of education and high unemployment rates 
leave many young women and children susceptible to traffickers' 
false promises of work and money.  In 2005, the General 
Prosecutor's office registered 230 TIP cases, but the number of 
trafficked persons is much higher.  The demand from countries 
such as the U.A.E. or Turkey means a trafficker can earn up to 
$13,000 per person. 
 
¶9.  Djurakulov admitted corrupt officials assist criminals in 
human trafficking and he favors tighter travel and passport 
legislation.  In October 2005 officials investigated 18 
employees of the Tajik Passport Department for their involvement 
with TIP organized crime rings.  The most popular trafficking 
route is by road to Osh, Kyrgyzstan and then onto the points 
east.  Because Tajiks do not need foreign passports to travel to 
Kyrgyzstan, many smugglers and victims easily slip across the 
border. 
 
¶10.  COMMENT:  The pervasiveness of TIP violations shows that 
combating efforts also need to focus on reducing the supply and 
should include programs to improve education, reduce poverty, 
fight corruption and advance gender equality. 
 
¶11.  COMMENT CONT'D: In 2004, a special high level commission 
was established to coordinate government and international NGOs' 
efforts on combating TIP, but work needs to be consolidated so 
it is not duplicated and scarce resources are used most 
effectively.  The National Government Action Plan on Peoples 
Trafficking for 2006-2010, if approved, will help to coordinate 
efforts amongst all parties, raise public awareness and 
strengthen legislation.  Post will also work to facilitate 
improved relations and coordination between the MOI and IOM to 
ensure the best use of U.S. funding.  Given the international 
nature of TIP, Tajikistan is taking the right step in trying to 
push for TIP related extradition agreements.  More cooperation, 
particularly on controlling the northern border, is needed.  END 
COMMENT. 
ARMBRUSTER 
 
 
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