June 2007
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
   

157 can be Reached From Abroad

The helpline was established to assist in the rescue of victims of trafficking in human beings. It also provides information on a non-emergency basis for individuals who may be at risk for trafficking. This includes information on visas and procedures for safe return home to the countries of stranded migrants. It is operated 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Since launched in May 2005, 122 trafficked persons were rescued and callers were provided information and referred to the institutions that they can seek help and information. It can be reached by dialing 157 on any phone, including mobiles, from inside Turkey. Now 157 can also be reached from abroad by calling 90 312 157 11 22.

Workshop to Explore Local Action Strategies in Combating Trafficking

The workshop, aiming to provide the active participation of local institutions and establish local strategies in Trabzon, Artvin ve Iğf4 dır provinces of North Eastern Anatolia, took place on 24-25 May in Trabzon. 53 participants from 3 provinces including governer, local institutions, municipalities, local media and NGO s participated in the workshop. Concerned participants have discussed the needs, necessary steps and what is needed to be done in long term in their cities to combat with human trafficking. The suggested counter trafficking activities of the representatives from the 3 provinces will be gathered and implemented in the next workshop which will be achieved in Autumn 2007. This activity is a part of the project of "Counter Trafficking in Turkey: Direct Assistance and Local Action", funded by Norwegian Government.

Municipalities role and efforts on combating trafficking

In line with the public awareness activities of the ongoing project titled "Counter Trafficking in Turkey: Direct Assistance and Local Action", 100.000 157 Helpline information magnets were printed and distributed in Trabzon, Iğf4 dır and Artvin  through the close cooperation of the municipalities in these provinces. Trabzon municipality started distributing the magnets to house holders with water bills. The magnets and posters are also placed at the strategic places within the provinces. 157 started getting rescue calls from the local people who received the magnets.

Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between IOM and HRDF on 30th of March 2007

Mr.Maurizio Busatti, the Chief of Mission
of IOM Turkey and Mr.Turgut Tokus,
Chairperson of HRDF while signing
the agreement

IOM will co-fund the operational costs for the shelter in Istanbul during 2007 under the project titled "Counter Trafficking in Turkey: Direct Assistance and Local Action"funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The purpose of the agreement is to define the conditions of the cooperation between IOM and HRDF as well as the roles of each party in providing assistance to victims of trafficking during the implementation of the project. The HRDF has been operating the shelter in Istanbul to provide support and assistance to victims of trafficking since November 2004.

Training for NGO staff and direct assistance

Training on "Shelter-based psycho-social assistance for trafficked individuals" was held on 13-15th of June in Istanbul and 18-20th of June in Ankara. The training aimed improving humanitarian protection and efficiency of case management system in Turkey and empowering local NGOs to deliver services to victims of trafficking. The training is organized for NGO staff working in the shelters both in Istanbul and Ankara, with participation of IOM Turkey direct assistance staff as well. The training is conducted by Valbona Lenja, from IOM Tirana office and Marjana Meshe who is the head of Albanian NGO "Different & Equal" involved in assisting trafficked individuals. This activity is also part of the project of "Counter Trafficking in Turkey: Direct Assistance and Local Action", funded by Norwegian Government.

Ukrainian delegation visit on 16-17 May 2007

In the light bileral protocol between Turkey and Ukraine, officials from Ukrainian Ministry of Interior and General Prosecutor's Office visited their counterparts in Turkey.  Issues including enhancement of bilateral dialogue on combating organized crime -combating trafficking in particular - and establishment of a direct communication network were discussed with the officials from the Department of Foreigners Border and Asylum of Turkish National Police, General Command of Gendarmerie, Asylum and Migration Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Department of International Law and Foreign Relations of Ministry of Justice.  IOM Ukraine and Ankara offices coordinated and facilitated the visit.

Workshops on Migration Management have just started

Picture from opening session
(from left to right); Mr.Pier Rossi Longhi,
Mr.Mehmet Terzioglu, Mr.Maurizio Busatti
and Ms.Penny Miller

The first workshop of the 'project Technical Cooperation in Migration: Turkey,  was conducted on 5-6 June 2007 in Ankara with the participation of more than 30 experts from fifteen migration related institutions. The project has the Ministry of Interior as the major counterpart and will facilitate a dialogue and conceptual understanding of the fundamental principles and the EU Acquis related to migration management, furthering the process of integration into the European Union. Key policy makers will be provided the tools for adapting administrative practices, legal norms and policy practices in line with effective management and EU best practices. Further, the project will complete the groundwork for implementation of selected activities of the Turkish National Action Plan on Asylum and Migration The topic of the first workshop was 'Entry and Admission' and it was moderated by Pier Rossi LONGHI from IOM Vienna Office. During the workshop, experts had a chance to discuss the relevant issues  and share their field experiences and best practices related to this topic. The topic of the second workshop is 'Stay and Residence' and it will be held on 28-29 June 2007 at the same venue.


MAIL TO US ATIL KURTTEKIN