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 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,

Capacity-Building / Training

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

Fernando Garcia-Robles 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