VZCZCXRO5358
RR RUEHAST
DE RUEHSK #1031 2631200
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 201200Z SEP 06 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY MINSK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5112
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS MINSK 001031 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BO
SUBJECT: TIP Film Screening Prompts Discussion of GOB's Anti-TIP 
Efforts 
 
¶1.  (U) Summary:  Pol/Econ Chief recently hosted a film screening 
of a U.S.-produced investigative documentary on victims of 
trafficking in persons (TIP) for independent journalists and 
leading members of the NGO community.  The participants praised the 
film for its poignant presentation of the global problem of TIP, 
but objected to the portrayal of trafficked women as "stereotypical 
prostitutes".  During the roundtable discussion after the film on 
anti-TIP efforts in Belarus, the participants commended the GOB's 
efforts to combat TIP but stressed the government must allocate 
more funding to TIP-related programs and services.  End Summary. 
 
Reaction to the Film 
-------------------- 
 
¶2.  (U) On September 13, Pol/Econ Chief hosted a screening of the 
PBS special, "Frontline: Sex Slaves", an investigative documentary 
about victims trafficked from Eastern Europe into forced 
prostitution in Turkey.  While applauding the producers for so 
poignantly portraying the problem of TIP, attending journalists and 
representatives of NGOs and international organizations objected to 
the film's portrayal of trafficked women as "stereotypical 
prostitutes," arguing that trafficked victims have varied looks and 
physical features. 
 
Participants Rate Governments' Effectiveness in Combating TIP 
--------------------------------------------- ---------------- 
 
¶3.  (U) After the film presentation, Pol/Econ Chief led a 
roundtable discussion on the effectiveness of civil society and 
governments in combating TIP.  They acknowledged that combating TIP 
was a GOB priority and cited the numerous laws and state programs 
the GOB initiated within the past year.  Several NGO leaders, 
however, claimed existing TIP legislation was poorly implemented. 
Shelters exist to help victims, but there was little funding to 
properly staff them, in large part because of the lack of 
appropriations in the budget in addition to the GOB's limitations 
on foreign technical assistance.  In response, U.N. Development 
Program, International Organization for Migration, and Belarusian 
anti-TIP NGO LaStrada opened rehabilitation shelters for victims 
and their families to supplement the GOB shelters. 
 
¶4.  (U) LaStrada and IOM representatives agreed that overall 
awareness about the problem of trafficking has increased among the 
population, as evidenced by the high volume of calls received by 
the trafficking hotlines.  However, social stigmas associating 
victims of trafficking as prostitutes remain and make it difficult 
for victims to obtain help and for border guards to properly 
identify victims. 
 
¶5.  (U) The participants praised the cooperation they received from 
foreign governments, especially from the USG, but added that these 
governments should work to decrease demand within their own 
countries for TIP victims. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
¶6.  (SBU) This film screening provided an opportunity for the 
leading members of the anti-TIP community in Belarus to come 
together and evaluate the progress that has been made in the 
country.  As in the past, the major complaints with the GOB were 
lack of support to NGOs and poor implementation of the existing 
anti-TIP legislation.  Perhaps in addition to seeking international 
support for their U.N. draft resolution "Improving coordination of 
efforts against TIP," Belarusian leaders should simultaneously seek 
to establish solid partnerships with the NGOs in its own country 
that are already committed to eradicating the problem. 
 
Stewart