US embassy cable - 04MAPUTO513

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MAPUTO 000513 
 
SIPDIS 
G/TIP FOR GHOLLIDAY 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KCRM, KWMN, ASEC, SMIG, PHUM, ELAB, MZ, DHRF, Trafficking in Persons 
SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR ANTI-TIP BILATERAL PROPOSAL FOR 
MOZAMBIQUE 
 
REF: STATE 02738 
 
1. Overview of request: Post is requesting bilateral G/TIP 
funding in the amount of $250,900 for a technical assistance 
program to develop critically needed national 
anti-trafficking legislation in Mozambique. This project will 
be implemented through the International Organization for 
Migration (IOM), which has extensive experience in anti-TIP 
programs in the Southern African region, including 
Mozambique. The timeframe for the project is 10-12 months. 
The government of Mozambique (GRM) has become increasingly 
engaged in combating trafficking through high-level public 
recognition of the problem, calls for development of anti-TIP 
legislation, and investigations by the Attorney General's 
office into alleged cases of trafficking. However, the lack 
of anti-TIP legislation has precluded prosecutions of alleged 
traffickers. GRM officials and NGOs have cited the 
development of anti-TIP legislation as a critical element to 
enhanced anti-trafficking efforts. Support for the 
development of anti-TIP legislation project would also serve 
to compliment on-going USG activities to strengthen 
Mozambique's judicial system and professionalism of the 
police. NGOs, IOM and the GRM were consulted in preparation 
of this proposal. 
 
2. Background to the Request. Mozambique is a country of 
origin for internationally trafficked women and children. 
South Africa is the principal receiving country for 
trafficked persons from Mozambique, though trafficking is 
also believed to occur within the country. There are no 
reliable numbers available on the extent of the problem. 
Poverty, a history of child migration, cultural/religious 
practices, and weak border controls are all factors 
contributing to trafficking. Anti-trafficking legislation 
does not currently exist, though trafficking can be addressed 
under other laws. However, NGOs and government officials 
acknowledge that criminalization of trafficking through 
specific anti-trafficking legislation is essential for the 
government to effectively investigate and prosecute 
trafficking cases. In early 2004, the Attorney General's 
office undertook an investigation in the northern provincial 
capital of Nampula over allegations of trafficking in human 
body parts and child disappearances. The wide-spread press 
surrounding the Nampula case has led to calls by the 
President and members of Parliament for the creation of 
anti-trafficking legislation. 
 
3. Development of Anti-Trafficking Legislation. 
A - Project Description. The project will supplement IOM's 
Southern African Counter-Trafficking Assistance Program to 
deliver quality technical assistance in supporting the 
development of counter-trafficking legislation that is both 
consistent with international conventions and protocols, and 
supportive of the region's best practices and lessons learned 
and the process of harmonization of laws. The project will 
focus on a series of workshops to be held over a 10-12 month 
duration and will target key members of the Parliament, 
legislative drafters, law enforcement and immigration 
officials, and civil society. Specific focus areas to be 
covered by the project include: 1) trafficking in persons 
internationally and in the SADC region, 2) definitions and 
international protocols, 3) victim protection, 4) 
prosecution, and 5) prevention. 
B - Sustainability. Host country commitment has been 
exemplified through public statements by key government 
officials calling for the creation of legislation. In March, 
several members of Parliament stated that the Parliament was 
ready to begin drafting anti-trafficking legislation. A 
principal element of the project is building domestic 
expertise on legal aspects of trafficking in persons. Thus, 
the same core group of individuals will participate 
throughout the project so that knowledge is cumulative. This 
project has strong linkages to other USG programs. 
Specifically, the Embassy is using INL funding for an 
intermittent long-term International Criminal Investigative 
Training Program (ICITAP) advisor to assist Mozambique's 
Police Sciences Academy (ACIPOL) in management and curriculum 
development, coordination of specialized training courses and 
improved facilities. ICITAP plans to hold a course focused on 
trafficking for late spring 2004. USAID is using DA and ESF 
funds to improve the country's judicial system and more 
effectively address corruption through support to 
Mozambique's Anti-Corruption Unit (UAC). In addition, Post 
is currently supporting several anti-trafficking or related 
projects through DHRF, including a series of technical 
seminars for immigration and police officials. 
C - Evaluation/benchmarks. IOM will submit periodic 
evaluations of the program and a final report. Successful 
completion of the project will be based on the number of 
participants from government and civil society participating 
in each project activity and the development of materials. 
Post will meet with participants regularly to assess the 
results of assistance. 
D - Budget. $250,900 
International Legal Consultant $90,000 
National Legal Consultant $30,000 
Administrative Assistant $10,000 
Workshop Costs (travel, venue, materials) $91,200 
Office & Other Support Services $25,000 
Statutory Overhead $4,700 
LA LIME