United Nations

VIENNA, 28 March (UN Information Service) -- A project to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement functions and criminal justice responses against organized crime groups involved in new forms of slavery was jointly launched today by the Government of the Philippines and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.  The relevant project document was signed by the Philippine Ambassador to United Nations in Vienna  - Victor G. Garcia III, and the Director of the Centre for International Crime Prevention -- Jan van Dijk.  
 
The first phase of the programme (March-September 2000) will specifically focus on supporting a national coordination mechanism, improving functional data bases, strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecution, as well as training, and awareness-raising. It will be implemented over six months in close cooperation with the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Interior and Local Government and National Police Commission. 

The initiative is the first pilot project launched under the framework of the CICP Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings.  Similar projects are scheduled to begin this year in Eastern Europe, Western Africa and South America.

Funding has been provided by the Governments of the United States of America  in the amount of USD 220,000, and Australia which is making in-kind contributions through the Australian Institute of Criminology.   The project will be followed by an 18-month Phase II, which will include, inter alia, support and protection of victims and witnesses.

The signing ceremony, which was also attended by representatives from donor countries, was held just a day before the opening of  the Asian Regional Initiative Against Trafficking in Women and Children scheduled on 29-31 March in Manila.