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Regional Frameworks and Initiatives in the Americas Regional Consultation on the Right to Effective Remedies for Trafficked Persons. Bangkok, Thailand, September 27, 2013. Organization of American States (OAS). 1889-90 International Union of American Republics 1948 OAS Charter
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Regional Frameworks and Initiatives in the AmericasRegional Consultation on the Right to Effective Remedies for Trafficked Persons Bangkok, Thailand, September 27, 2013
Organization of American States (OAS) 1889-90 International Union of American Republics 1948 OAS Charter Brings together 35 member states. It’s a political, judicial and socio gov. forum. 67 Prmnt. Observers & EU 4 Pillars: democracy, development, human rights, & security
Organized Crime in the Americas and Trafficking in Persons • Sexual violence 2004-2009. 13 countries in sub-regions 111,408 • Sexual offences against children. 14 countries in sub-regions 15,559 (2009). Caribbean 872 and CA 362 ? • Intentional homicide by firearms. 26 countries 105,742 (organized crime 2010) • International homicide victims aged 15-24. 21 countries in sub-regions 37,231 (2010) • Sexual assault: gap between police reported cases and victimization surveys. Jamaica 48 / 900. Canada 74 / 2400. Brazil 16 / 4000 (2002-2009) War & Natural Disasters Traditions & Values Gender Discrimination Domestic Violence Lack of Education Poverty Unemployment
Migration Patters to and from the Americas Europe Middle East Africa Asia
Patterns used by Organized Crime • Sexual, labor exploitation, domestic servitude, sex tourism, trafficking of organs, forced marriages, beggin, : oil and gas enterprises, mining. • Strong connections to trafficking of drugs, arms, gangs. • Coercion and extortion from mafias in-outside detention centers • Recruitment in small villages with vulnerable groups (social and economic) • Use of social networks: twitter , facebook • Recruiting companies • Private companies recruiting Asian, African and nationals from the Middle East • Participation of corrupt government officials • Use of porous borders: Caribbean and Central American countries • Advertisements placed through the local media, radio.
Commitment of the OAS Member States • Dedicated State action to combat trafficking in persons • Anti TIP law enforcement • Identification of victims. • Data collection • Prevention-Protection
Work Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Western Hemisphere 2010-2014 AG/RES.2551(XL-O/10) • Prevention: promote legislation, policies, actions plans, campaigns, coop.-sectors. Identify vulnerable groups, supervision of travel agents-job recruiters, combat demand. • Prosecution: judicial cooperation, extradition, confiscation of proceeds, data, create police units, training, agreements, invest. Techniques. • Protection: shelters, State cooperation, protection of victims/witness/children, consular services, legal advise, funding, promote UN instruments,
Multi-Sector Coordination Strategies • Civil society and governments for a comprehensive protection of victims • Multilateral and bilateral agreements for victim assistance • Awareness-raising / information campaigns for the protection of victims • Community involvement
Good Practices • Central America and Mexico institutionalized coalitions, multi-sector groups for the protection of victims • Protection of victims, a topic of national security on the political agenda of CARICOM • Institutionalization of anti-trafficking curricula in training centers, i.e. police academies • Education campaigns for victim compensation • Creation of protection specialized units • Multi-training efforts through out the countries • Participation of civil society in the drafting of public policies for the protection of victims • Collaboration with INTERPOL
Challenges for Protection • Governments turn a blind eye • Political will • Misconception of trafficking / sex workers • Trafficking is culturally inserted in societies • More understanding among law enforcement of trafficking and smuggling • High cost of victim care
Recommendations • Attention to internal trafficking • Strong witness protection systems • Strengthened and more effective judicial systems • Banning of entertainment visas • Unification of terminology • Identification of missing persons • Strengthening of the principle of shared-responsibility • Budget allocation for effective remedies • Strengthening of standard operating procedures • View victim protection as a State Policy • Ratification of international instruments • Address gender issues and women empowerment
Contact Information Fernando Garcia-Robles Coordinator, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Department of Public Security Organization of American States 1889 F. St. N.W. 870C Washington , D.C. 20006 Email: mgarcia@oas.org Tel: 202.370.5445 Fax: 202.458.3882