The Ecuadorian ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice and
Human Rights and IOM, are today launching the Consular Protocol for
Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking, along with a five-week
virtual and classroom-based course for foreign service staff in 130
consulates around the world aimed at strengthening government's
efforts to counter human trafficking.

A new website "http://www.plantrata.gov.ec" target="_blank" title=
"">www.plantrata.gov.ec on the National Plan to Combat Human
Trafficking and Other Forms of Violence led by the Ministry of
Justice and Human Rights and supported by several other ministries
and organizations, will also be launched. It will provide an
interactive tool for training, monitoring and evaluating
counter-trafficking efforts as well as information on projects and
services that are part of the National Plan.

IOM, working with the three ministries and supported by the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID),
developed the technical and academic tools to improve the
understanding and scope of human trafficking, to raise awareness
amongst government officials working in key ministries, and to
protect and provide emergency assistance to the victims.

Ecuador is a country of origin, transit and destination for
human trafficking for the purpose of sexual and labour
exploitation.  Since 2005, IOM Quito has been working with the
Ecuadoran government in the implementation of the National Plan and
in support of prevention, protection and prosecution
activities.

For further information please contact:

Ana María Guzmán

IOM Ecuador

Tel: +593.2.225.3948

E-mail: "mailto:aguzman@iom.int">aguzman@iom.int