May 2006
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
   

Black Sea Web Information Source to Launch this Month

IOM this month launches a new information source for tracking trafficking trends throughout the Black Sea Region. The Black Sea "microsite," (which can be reached on the web at www.countertrafficking.org) will include information-rich maps and source data on trafficking as well as economic and other indicators. The site is being launched as part of IOM-Turkey's one year project funded by IOM's 1035 facility. The project has established an office for information, data collection and trends analysis. The office is staffed by a full-time researcher who, in addition to data collection and analysis duties, will coordinate cooperative research activities by outside experts. Information scheduled to be included in the microsite includes rates of trafficking throughout the Black Sea on a regional and country basis, migration flows as well as social indicators.

Final Law Enforcement Report Due on Dutch-Financed Project

LE Training due this month

The final report on a law enforcement strategic plan to combat trafficking in persons is scheduled to wrap up this month under the project funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Ankara. The IOM coordinated project, launched last year, is working closely with the Turkish authorities to assess needs, gaps and goals for CT law enforcement activities. Specifically, the project is implementing a comprehensive situational analysis and capacity assessment.. Recommendations and conclusions to be released this month are required to be endorsed by key Turkish ministries participating in a high-level working group. That group is made of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key Ministry of Interior agencies, including the Turkish National Police and Gendaramerie, and the Ministry of Justice.

157 Rescue Helpline to Mark One Year Anniversary 23 May

The 157 Helpline for rescue and assistance of trafficked individuals marks its one year anniversary with the Government of Turkey pledging its financial support. The 157 Helpline, which launched 23, May 2005, has worked with Turkish law enforcement to coordinate the rescue of 84 confirmed trafficked individuals. Last month, the Government of Turkey pledged $25,000 to fund the Helpline, ensuring sustained funding through most of 2006. The Helpline is currently funded through the U.S. Government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The Helpline, coordinated by IOM, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Operators are fully fluent in Russian, Romanian, Turkish and English, among other source country languages.

IOM-Turkey to Assist in Sudan-Australia Refugee Movements

IOM-Turkey this month will assist in the safe transport of refugees deemed highly vulnerable from camps in Sudan to relocation in Australia. IOM Staffer Enver Sahin will accompany the group of 25 refugees, building on his experience conducting cultural orientations for refugees in Turkey bound for Australia. Sahin spent many years living and working in Australia before joining IOM-Turkey. IOM will assist in the transport of the refugees as well as basic on the ground orientation once they arrive in Australia. Funding for the operation is being provided by the Australian Government though The Australian Cultural Orientation Program (AUSCO).

Major IOM Trainings Scheduled for this Month in Istanbul

This month, IOM-Turkey plays host to two major IOM trainings. First, IOM-Turkey hosts a five day "project development" training that begins 8 May in Istanbul. It is to be attended by project managers throughout the region. Also in Istanbul, IOM-Turkey will host a second three-day training on media and strategic communications, scheduled for 11 May.


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