US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT4425

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004425 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR G/TIP, NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, PGOV, KU, TIP, Labor 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PROVIDES GOK WITH STEPS TO IMPROVE TIP 
STATUS 
 
REF: KUWAIT 4279 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1. (C) As a follow-up to an October 1 meeting during which 
Ambassador committed to providing examples of actions taken 
by Qatar and the UAE to permit their reclassification to the 
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Tier 2 Watch List (reftel), 
Ambassador presented a letter outlining these steps to 
Foreign Minister Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al-Salem Al-Sabah on 
October 15. Ambassador asked that the FM share the letter 
with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of 
Interior.  Once again, the Ambassador emphasized that the GOK 
should be a model in the region, not simply strive to move up 
a notch in TIP rankings.  The Ambassador also included with 
the letter another copy of the action plan previously 
provided to the GOK.  (The text of the letter was cleared by 
G/TIP, NEA/ARPI and Embassies Abu Dhabi and Doha.) 
 
2. (C) Begin text: 
 
Your Excellency: 
 
Following our October 1 meeting regarding President Bush's 
determination to maintain Kuwait's Tier 3 trafficking in 
persons ranking, I offered to provide you with concrete steps 
that the Governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates 
took to contribute to their Tier 2 Watch List 
reclassification. 
 
First, the Governments provided proof of trafficking-related 
prosecutions. Second, both enacted laws that criminalize the 
use of children younger than 18 years as camel jockeys. While 
Kuwait has a ministerial decree banning the practice, the 
other countries implemented laws penalizing offenders with 
fines and/or imprisonment. Third, both established shelters 
for trafficking victims, and rescued and repatriated victims 
to their home countries in coordination with those 
Governments. Fourth, both Governments outlined public 
awareness campaigns, scheduled to debut this fall, to educate 
expatriate workers about their labor rights. 
 
These steps satisfied the action plan guidelines delivered to 
the two Governments in June, which were similar to those 
presented to your Government including: commence prosecution 
of trafficking-related crimes, develop a mechanism to 
identify and protect victims, establish shelters and conduct 
an anti-trafficking public awareness campaign. 
 
As I have mentioned before, I believe Kuwait should not only 
compare itself to others in the region, but it should be a 
model of enlightened labor relations. I have attached a copy 
of the action plan previously passed to your Government. I 
look forward to continuing to work together on these 
important issues. 
 
Please be assured of my highest consideration. 
 
Sincerely, 
Richard LeBaron 
Ambassador 
 
End text. 
 
 
 
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LEBARON