IOM and the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) this week signed a new Cooperation Agreement for the next
three years that will allow IOM to continue its counter-trafficking
activities and to expand those that were carried out during the
first phase of its programme in Ecuador.

The next phase of the IOM Programme to Combat Human Trafficking
in Ecuador will centre on providing support for the implementation
of the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons,
which is the government’s main tool to fight the crime and
focuses on preventing human trafficking, protecting its victims and
prosecuting the traffickers. The National Plan also promotes
comprehensive and coordinated action amongst state institutions, as
well as a better coordination with international organizations,
civil society and donors.

IOM will continue to provide technical assistance to strengthen
counter-trafficking policies at the local level by working with
local governments faced with a high incidence of human trafficking
in the design, implementation and/or strengthening of their legal
instruments and action plans. It will also implement action plans
as well as share and exchange information and best practices.

The programme will also identify functioning shelters that
provide specialized services for victims but which need to enhance
their service capacity and financial sustainability.

In order to achieve the successful reintegration of victims, IOM
will work with local NGOs to ensure job training and income
generation opportunities for the participants. These services are
supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID)
Grants Development Program.

In 2005, IOM received funds from USAID to contribute to the
implementation of a National Plan of Action to combat human
trafficking and other forms of violence. Since then, IOM has
supported the work of the Child Welfare Police, the National Child
and Family Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
International Labour Organization, the Public Prosecutor’s
Office and other institutions.

Ecuador is a country of origin, transit, and destination for
individuals trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labour.
Many victims are children who are trafficked for sexual
exploitation and begging.

For further information, please contact:

Ana Guzmán

IOM Ecuador

Tel: +593.2.4449.28/29

E-mail: "mailto:aguzman@oim.org.ec">aguzman@oim.org.ec