The IOM Moscow Times International Organization for Migration Moscow, Russia

Transcription

1 The IOM Moscow Times International Organization for Migration Moscow, Russia Issue 13, December, , 2-aya Zvenigorodskaya, , Moscow = Tel 7 (495) = Fax 7 (495) = iommoscow@iom.int, INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Labour migration in Central Asia and Russian Federation Further enhancement of Readmission mechanisms in the Russian Federation at the regional and national level Project: Prevention of human trafficking in the Russian Federation The Guide for educational workers Press briefing on the International Day of the fight for elimination slavery Exhibition and the award ceremony for the winners of social poster contest in Petrozavodsk The first city s fair of services for migrants in Petrozavodsk Rehabilitation Center Direct assistance to the VoTs in the framework of count trafficking project of IOM Moscow fo the period from October to December 2008 Referral seminars Project development competition for NGOs Project: Combating trafficking in human beings in the Russian Federation (SIDA) IOM Moscow medical unit European countries continue voluntary assisted return of unsuccessful asylum seekers programmes IOM Moscow cultural orientation Moscow migrants processing and movement Migration issues LABOUR MIGRATION IN CENTRAL ASIA AND RUSSIAN FEDERATION In the framework of Labour Migration in Central Asia and Russian Federation Program» on December 3-4, 2008, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) organized a Conference on the forms of cooperation and coordination of the mechanisms of labour migration in the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia. The objective of the Conference was to support initiatives encouraging development of effective labour migration policies covering social security, employment, housing, health, access to legal services. Moreover, it aimed to discuss challenges faced by the labour migrants in the countries of their origin and destination. The Seminar brought together labour migration experts, policy makers, researchers, donors and NGO community leaders from Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia. The program consisted of the presentations by the delegates and plenary sessions highlighting the prospects and proposals supporting development of the new strategies and approaches in the field of labour migration management. In view of the global crisis and economic hardships the officials of IOM, ILO, trade unions and employers highlighted the circumstances where migrants are often charged by the nationals with crimes, wages damping and other negative impacts. However, migrants often contribute not only to their national economies by sending remittances to their countries of origin but also increase productivity accepting jobs rejected by the nationals of the destination countries. Ms. Elaine Fultz ILO Subregional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia mentioned as an example that ILO began to receive calls from labour migrants complaining of termination of their contracts without prior notification by the employers. She suggested the delegates of the conference to use this opportunity for a balanced discussion in order to work out strategies helping to protect migrants in need in the countries of destination where their presence fills up vacancies and promotes the services rejected by the local nationals. Mr. Boldyrev -Assistant Director of the External migrant labor department of the Federal Migration Service (FMS) in his welcoming speech said that according to statistics provided by the United Nations, Russia today is world s second by population of international The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 1

2 migrants. According to statistics provided by FMS the overall number of labour migrants employed in Russian Federation in the first six months of 2008 was 1, people and increased in comparison with the same period of 2007 by over 800,000 people (74%).This number does not include the nationals of Belarus as they can be employed on equal basis as the Russian nationals in the framework of joint agreement On the equal rights of citizens for employment social guarantees. The important considerations valid for trade unions included two central aspects namely: the protection of the labour migrants in the economic context and second is the development of the social welfare, and equality in average income of migrant workers and nationals of the destination country. Oleg Sokolov from Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia emphasized that labour migrants operating in low skill sectors are especially vulnerable and have to be protected by trade unions. He said that although migrants who join trade unions would have their rights better protected, comparing to the other countries this pattern has not been yet actively acknowledged by migrant workers in Russia. Moscow transport industry was named as one of the positive examples where all workers join trade unions in one go with the contract agreement and receive protection. The largest numbers of migrants in Russia today are presented by Uzbeks -25%, Tajiks -16%, Ukrainians -11%, Kirgiz 7, 5% and Moldavians -5, 5%. FURTHER ENHANCEMENT OF READMISSIOM MECHANISMS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AT THE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS IOM is in the second year of implementing the Assistance to the Government of the Russian Federation in Establishing Legal and Administrative Framework for the Implementation of Readmission Agreements Programme funded by the European Commission and the Governments of Germany and Finland. The Programme which is being carried out since 1 February 2007 aims at strengthening the Russian authorities capacity to successfully implement the EC-RF Readmission agreement, as well as to develop their own readmission agreements with third countries. Within the framework of the Programme, on 6-7 October 2008, IOM Moscow organized the Regional Technical Consultations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) on Sharing Experience in Return and Readmission 1. The event was attended by more than 45 heads of department level authorities representing nine countries across the EECA Region. The participants included representatives of the European Commission (from both the Headquarters in Brussels and the Delegation in Moscow), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration Services as well as the diplomatic missions of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belorussia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine. The Russian Federation was represented by the Federal Migration Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs as well as the Border Service of the Federal Security Service. Ms. Sophie Nonnenmacher-Migration Policy Specialist of IOM gave presentation on international experience in the field of labout migration management introducing IOM approach to labour migration aimed at creating awareness among migrants ensuring that they are informed of safe migration options and their human rights. The conference resulted in a number of recommendations and guidelines in support of development of unified immigration and labour legislation on the basis of international principles and practices. The recommendations are as follows: Unification of Immigration and labour legislation with consideration of international principles and practices Recognition of the rights of irregular migrants as per ILO and UN conventions Equal treatment of legal migrant workers and nationals of the receiving country Improvement of labour migration statistics and data exchange mechanisms, taking into account ILO/IOM experiences on the subject Improvement of data sources and methodology reviewing gaps in labour supplies and assessment of labour market needs Increased support services to migrant workers from trade unions, NGOs and governments Technical consultations opening Opening remarks were made by Mr. Enrico Ponziani, Chief of Mission, IOM Moscow; Ms. Ekaterina Egorova, Deputy Director, Federal Migration Service, Russian Federation; and Mr. Paul 1 Information on the event as reported by the FMS of Russia can be found at / The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 2

3 Vandoren, Deputy Head of Delegation, The Delegation of the European Commission to Russia. Every country delegation had the opportunity to share their experiences and insights vis-à-vis irregular migration and negotiating, implementing readmission agreements. Meeting attendees exchanged statistical and practical information about return of aliens from their territories and readmission. readmitted persons. Representatives of FMS offices in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg were also present. The delegates also found the opportunity to learn about other countries legal and regulatory frameworks and processing mechanisms concerning readmission of own nationals and thirdcountry nationals. Last but not least the delegates had the occasion to meet their counterparts in person which, in line with the objectives of the technical meeting, further contributed to the establishment of contacts among the EECA States that would result in closer collaboration towards counteracting irregular migration. Based on the participants feedback it can be concluded that the technical consultations supported the establishment of a reliable, open, mutually beneficial and constructive interstate dialogue on readmission among the EECA countries which benefits the interests of both migrants and the states. Implementing readmission agreements in practice practical issues in the Russian context Whereas on the first day, presentations of such topics as: (i) readmission in International Migration Law; (ii) readmission in the legal acts and practice of the Russian Federation; (iii) legislative work of FMS and latest developments in the readmission field were made by IOM and FMS officials; the second day was dedicated to the discussion of practical work of the FMS, capacity building of regional officials and exchange of experience. A presentation on foreign practices on detention, showing the pictures taken in detention centres for migrants in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, which raised a lot of interest in the representatives of the readmission centres, was also made. Informal discussions on the specifics of readmission within Eastern Europe and Central Asia Contributing to the objective of building the capacity of competent authorities in the field of readmission, on 9-10 December 2008 IOM in close cooperation with the FMS of Russia organized a third training on International Migration Law for senior and mid-level officials of the Federal Migration Service focusing on readmission agreements and their legislative basis. The training was held in Moscow in the form of a working seminar and, according to the recommendations from the FMS, was mostly dedicated to the practical activities of FMS and exchange of experience in the area of readmission as well as capacity building of the regional FMS officials by the representatives of the central office. Participants of the training came from six regions (Moscow, Leningrad, Pskov, Republic of Chechnya, Rostov and Tver) representing the regional FMS offices and three special centres for PROJECT: PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION The Guide for Educational Workers In the framework of the educational component the specialists of the project have developed specialized Guide for the educational workers in Russia and short informational booklet for high-school pupils covering the theme of prevention of risks of human trafficking for the young people going abroad for work or study. These materials were used as a basis for the educational school course under the title Personal Security of a Teenager, which is currently under development by the Prosveshcheniye Federal Publishing House. The main goal of the Guide is to bring information about the problem of human trafficking to educational specialists school teachers, psychologists, social workers - exactly to those, who are able to prevent young people from falling into situations of human trafficking at the crucial turning periods of their lives. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 3

4 IOM educational materials summarize the experience of trainings on the topic Prevention of Human Trafficking, give useful information on how to apply interactive methodic to traditional study process, organize social purpose classes. In December 2008 the specialists of the project with assistance of the Methodical Center of North-Eastern district of the Department of Education of the city of Moscow, in school #963 has organized a seminar for more then 50 educational specialists of the district teachers and social pedagogues. The working materials of a new Guide for Teachers Risks of Human Trafficking in Russia. Ways of Prevention and a booklet for minors Caution Human Trafficking were presented to professionals. The seminar was led by Ms. Maria Mokhova, developer of social trainings for high-school pupils, the Director of Sisters Crisis Center. The following themes were covered: introduction to the issue of human trafficking, the risks of HT for minors, prevention of HT among minors the role of teachers in disseminating reliable information, raising the level of knowledge about the problem among young people, etc. The participants were offered to fill in the special questionnaire about the main characteristics, forms of this phenomenon. The specialists marked the insufficient level of awareness about the issue and acknowledged the need in additional information and dissemination of info about the human trafficking among pupils. Block II Social Educational Trainings. Theory and Practice are developed by expert Ms. Maria Mokhova. It includes examples of structural and thematic exercises. In attachment it contains the list of thematic exercises for the class: series of exercises under the subject: Prevention of Human Trafficking and exercises under the title: Self-Determination, Career-Guidance and Employment. The purpose of the trainings is to raise the issue of existence of risks for young people, which they might face in search for opportunities for further study or work abroad; to try to warn the young audience about the existence of such risks through interactive manner of school work; to raise the knowledge about the minors employment legislation regulations. Block III includes collection of reference materials for educational specialists/trainers, which may be used by them during the preparation of independent CT trainings in future. Classroom activities under the theme Prevention of Human Trafficking make the pupils think about the causes of the modern slavery, about the ways how to change the problematic situation. The materials might be adapted to the needs of various study groups, not only for the years old minors; they might be also interesting for instructors of employment centers and social pedagogues, working with youth. RUSSIA Press briefing on the occasion of the International Day of the Fight for Elimination of Slavery commemorated on 2 December - was organized by IOM on 1 December in Moscow at the Russian Agency of the International Information RIA NOVOSTI. Representatives of the governmental institutions: Ms. Mukhabenova M.A., Member of the RF State Duma Committee on family, women and children issues, Mr. Naldin G.A., Head of the THB unit under the Investigative Committee, Ministry of Interior, as well as international participants Mr. Piet Blondé, Project Officer, Institutional Reforms EU-Russia Cooperation Programme, Mr. Terry Kinney, Resident Legal Adviser US Department of Justice, Chief of Mission of IOM Moscow, Mr. Enrico Ponziani, Coordinator of the EC Project Prevention of Human Trafficking, Mr. Alberto Andreani, together with the IOM Goodwill Envoy, Russian pop-star Valeria, took part in the briefing. Guide for Teachers Risks of Human Trafficking in Russia and booklet for minors Caution Human Trafficking drafted and printed in the framework of IOM Project The structure of the Guide is composed of three informational Blocks (Chapters). Block I opens with the general information about the problem of human trafficking (what is human trafficking, main forms of human trafficking, stages of the process of THB, initial causes of THB, at-risk groups) and further tailors to more specific information with regard to the forms of trafficking in minors. Block I also includes information about international and Russian legislation on the problem. The International Day of the Fight for Elimination of Slavery provides a special opportunity to look at what has been done in the past and by doing so, see where we are standing today concerning this issue. We should analyze what must be done to put a total end to such inhuman activities as trafficking in humans which is the enslavement of people through deceit said Mr. Ponziani at the briefing. He also stressed the importance of cooperation with the mass media which plays a crucial role in the prevention of the phenomena of Trafficking in human beings both among the general public and at-risk groups through raising the level of awareness on the problem and on specific risks and dangers. The briefing was organized within the framework of the Counter- Trafficking programme in the Russian Federation financed by the The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 4

5 European Commission together with the governments of the USA, Switzerland, Sweden and Belgium and implemented by IOM Moscow. Exhibition and award ceremony for the winners of social poster contest in Petrozavodsk On 10th of December 2008 the award ceremony for the winners of the social poster contest Human Trafficking. Century XXI was held in Petrozavodsk, in Cultural-Business Center of the city. The contest was organized by IOM from April till the end of October The ceremony was held within the activities of the City Fair of Services for Migrants, organized for the first time in Petrozavodsk by the Administration of the city of Petrozavodsk, NGO Karelian Resource Center of Public Organizations, Bureau of IOM in Moscow with the support of the Ministry on National Policy and Relations with Religious Organizations of the Republic of Karelia (RK), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Migration Service in the RK. The specialists of the Information and Consultative Center of the project in the Republic of Karelia have provided consultations at the stand of ICC during the Fair ( hot-line and ). The contest was organized within the counter-trafficking information dissemination initiatives of the project Prevention of Human Trafficking in the RF. The contest was organized in the project regions, the works were also received from all Russia and from abroad. Congratulating the winners of the social poster contest in Petrozavodsk The First City s Fair of Services for Migrants in Petrozavodsk Administration of the city of Petrozavodsk, NGO Karelian Resource Center of Public Organizations, IOM Moscow under the support of the Ministry on the National Policy and Ties with Religious Organizations of the Republic of Karelia, Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Republic of Karelia and Federal Migration Service branch in the Republic of Karelia held the first city s Fair of services for migrants in Petrozavodsk on 10 December The main purpose of the contest was to raise the public awareness of existing forms of human trafficking in the Russian Federation, especially in order to inform the youth of its dangers; to attract more attention to this problem from the position of priority to human rights. The contest was declared for the students of art schools, art and design faculties of Universities in pilot regions and all over Russia, young designers and painters and all interested and talented people who wanted to give piece of their talent and heart for the purpose of prevention of such inhuman crime as trafficking. The jury of the regional contest was formed by the representatives of the state structures of the Republic Administration of the city of Petrozavodsk, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RK, Ministry of Education, the Committee on Sport and Youth Affairs, artists. Three winners, who were selected as a result of the joint work of the jury, collected their monetary prizes, award certificates and memorable medals on the 10th of December. The winners are: 1st Place - Aleksandr Yanusik, art and design journalist from Petrozavodsk 2nd Place - Ksenia Metzova, student 3rd Place - Roman Ershov, art designer Representatives of the Ministry of Labour of the Republic of Karelia Experts from the governmental structures dealing with provision of migration related services, as well as specialists working in the area of culture and social protection, lawyers and psychologists, representatives of NGOs and other organizations took part in the Fair. Information desks organized by corresponding ministries and services were functioning during the Fair, including the desk of the Information and Consultative Center of the project Prevention of Human Trafficking in the RF. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 5

6 and specialists of the state structures both of the municipal and republican level Administration of the city of Petrozavodsk, FMS on RK, Ministry on the National Policy and Ties with Religious Organizations of the RF, Ministry of Labour and Employment of the RK, as well as NGOs, international organizations and businessstructures. The roundtable was organized jointly by the Administration of Petrozavodsk and IOM Moscow. It was stressed at the roundtable that similar fairs of services addressed to migrants and population should be held on a regular basis several times a year as they are an effective mechanism on prevention of irregular migration and on providing updated and timely information on a wide range of social issues to the population of Karelia. One of the Information Desks In the information desks any visitor could get free of charge information on the following topics: - registration of the temporary and permanent stay for foreign and RF citizens, migration registration, getting of the RF citizenship; - provision of migration related services to employers and migrants; - provision of a social support to migrants on the territory of the city of Petrozavodsk; - possibilities of free of charge legal employment for migrants from the CIS and far abroad countries - possibilities on legal employment and study abroad, prevention of possible risks and dangers for RF citizens related to migration abroad - culture, habits, traditions of ethnic groups residing on the territory of the city of Petrozavodsk. At the City Fair of Services for Migrants organized jointly by the Administration of the city of Petrozavodsk and Bureau of IOM in Moscow The expert roundtable Promoting of the Tolerance Concept on the Municipal Level took place the same day, which gathered leaders It was declared at the roundtable that the issues of counter-trafficking were included into the draft Municipal long-term purpose programme Petrozavodsk territory of the tolerance for In particular, in 2009 the Administration of Petrozavodsk jointly with the project Prevention of Human Trafficking in the RF implemented by IOM Moscow, plans to organize a joint social action on the topic. The Administration of Petrozavodsk will provide separate funds from the municipal budget on organization of corresponding events on this topic in 2010 and The Concept was approved and passed on 15 December 208 by the Sessions of the Petrozavodsk City s Council. Rehabilitation Center. Following its opening in April 2007, the Rehabilitation Centre has been recognized by the various stakeholders as a unique facility providing comprehensive assistance and temporary safe accommodation to trafficking victims. In particular, the Center proved of special importance to the law enforcement authorities, such as Ministry of Interior, Prosecutor General s Office and Federal Security Service as a point of referral of victims rescued in police raids, as well as those called to witness in criminal inquiries. Thanks to counseling sessions with the Center psychologist, many beneficiaries who were initially reluctant to contact law enforcement agencies later opted for cooperation with the police and shared important information on human trafficking cases. The law enforcement officers who worked with the Projectassisted victims proved notably responsive to their needs by allowing the Center psychologist to be present during the interviews with the victims. Such practice is new and unique not only for Russia, but also for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Data collected by the Rehabilitation Center doctors proves instrumental in evaluating the damage to victims health and costs of treatment related to the different types of exploitation and traumas received. For example, individuals who were subjected to forced labor usually suffer from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, eye problems, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia (38 cases), as well as urological and otolaryngological (21 cases) disorders, most often linked to the bad working and living conditions in which they were placed for lengthy time-periods. Women who experienced sexual exploitation are often diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (more then 60% of the assisted cases), inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system (56% of the caseload), and ectoparasitical skin diseases (pediculosis The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 6

7 included). All the victims assisted suffered from nervous system disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, asthenic syndrome). Direct assistance to the VoTs in the framework of Counter- Trafficking project of IOM Moscow for the period from October to December 08. From October to December 2008 IOM Moscow Counter-Trafficking Unit has provided full range of assistance to 21 VoTs including 13 non-russian nationals and 8 Russian nationals. The majority of the victims were women 13 beneficiaries out of 21. In 8 cases involving a loss or confiscation of travel documents by the traffickers IOM facilitated the procurement of travel documents by contacting the embassies of their countries of residence. The majority of the non-russian trafficking victims assisted by the Project during the reporting period were citizens of Uzbekistan (8 cases), followed by citizens of Moldova (2 cases), Tajikistan (1 case), Ukraine (1 case) and Armenia (1 case). Moldova, 2 Ukraine, 1 VoT's countries of origin (total 21 victims) Russia, 8 Tajik, 1 Armenia, 1 Out of 21 victims assisted 11 individuals were exploited forced labor, 10 for sexual exploitation and 1 for begging. All the victims assisted under the Project benefited from qualified medical, psychological, reintegration and social assistance as well as assistance in return to the regions and countries of residence. All the victims were provided with reinstallation grants as envisaged by the Project. Referral Seminars Uzbekistan, Under the Project Prevention of Human Trafficking in the Russian Federation IOM Moscow seeks to establish a model for the referral of victims of trafficking to an appropriate agencies/organizations for assistance and offering them professional and case-specific services. IOM views a referral mechanism as an inter-agency operational network involving the governmental authorities, such as the regional and municipal administrations, law enforcement authorities, public health care and social support institutions as well as NGOs and international organizations. Engaging these entities in a referral mechanism will imply the establishment of a standard pattern for their coordinated action in providing assistance to trafficking victims. As envisaged by the project the first round of seminars on the establishment of the referral mechanism in the pilot regions was organized in the beginning of the Project: Moscow - October 2006, 8 Astrakhan and Karelia June-July For sustainability and monitoring purposes the initial round-table sessions were followed by additional seminars which took place in December 2008: December, 4 th Astrakhan, December, 11 th Petrozavodsk and December, 18 th - Moscow. Referring agencies (total 21 victims) InfoCentre Self Astrakhan, referral, 1 1 NGOs, 4 Religious organiz., 1 IOM missions, 14 In Petrozavodsk the round-table was organized in close partnership with the Administration of the Petrozavodsk City and took place in the premises of the Administration which was offered to IOM on free of charge basis. The Moscow seminar was organized in partnership with the National Anti-criminal and Anti-terrorist Foundation (NAAF). The purpose of the seminars was to facilitate inter-agency cooperation and to create platforms for discussion on the continuation of counter-trafficking actions in Russia, upon the expiration of the project. In particular, the seminars were meant to devise solutions for the sustainability of key achievements such as the Rehabilitation Center for victims of trafficking and the Information and Consultative Center in the pilot regions. IOM staff members presented the overview of the Project Prevention of Human Trafficking in the RF, main achievements, gaps as well as issues of sustainability of the project activities. The participants reported on the caseloads assisted and types of assistance provided as well as the gaps and problems encountered. The seminars were conducted in the form of the plenary discussions and work in thematic sessions. The recommendations for the improvement of the cooperation, additions to the established procedures for referring and assisting victims of trafficking were elaborated during each seminar. Project Development Competition for NGOs In March 2008 within the framework of the IOM project Reintegration Assistance to Victims of Trafficking the RF were conducted a Project Development Competition for NGOs. Out of numerous submissions from Russian NGOs the four best projects proposals on reintegration, prevention and direct assistance measures to victims of human trafficking were chosen and receive a grant for the implementation of their project of USD 8000 each. The following four projects were selected, and a contract with each submitting NGO has been signed (start of projects June 2008): The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 7

8 - "Prevention of Human Trafficking among Risk Groups in the Republic of Tatarstan" by Women Crisis Center "Fatima", Kazan. Implementing activities: Lead an information and awareness raising campaign among risk groups and provide direct assistance to VoTs. - "Preventing Human Trafficking and Providing Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking in Astrakhan and Astrakhan Region" by "Oratorium" NGO, Astrakhan. Implementing activities: Offer direct assistance to VoTs, lead an awareness raising campaign. - "Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking and Providing them Assistance" by the "Far East Center", Vladivostok. Implementing activities: Lead an awareness raising campaign among risk groups, hold seminars and trainings for government and non-government organizations with the aim of fostering closer cooperation among them in the provision of assistance to victims of trafficking, provide direct assistance to VoTs. At the expert meeting On October 7 th 2008 a coordination meeting of the expert group responsible for writing the manual was carried out. The draft index of the manual reviewed. - "Information Center for the Prevention of Human Trafficking" by "Angara" NGO, Irkutsk. Implementing activities: Lead lobbying activities during a political election campaign (for the local parliament), with the aim to introduce the issue of counter-human trafficking on the political agenda, lead an awareness raising campaign. 8 December 2008 the final conference took place. The purpose of the conference was to illustrate the progress achieved by IOM s partner NGOs in the projects implemented by them. Moreover, the NGOs discussed the main constraints they faced during the realization of counter-trafficking activities in the regions. Based on this, a set of recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of countertrafficking projects in the regions of the Russian Federation were worked out. The conference involved representatives of law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations and donor governments. Expert group working on the text of the manual On October 7 th 2008 a coordination meeting of the expert group responsible for writing a manual was carried out. The draft index of the manual reviewed. Project: Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the Russian Federation Sida The development of a Manual/Specialized Course Judicial investigations of human trafficking criminal cases, targeting Russian judges is finalized. In close coordination between the experts and the printing house a layout was prepared along with editions and corrections. The development of a manual/specialized course Combating human trafficking with a special focus on financial investigation, targeting detectives and investigators is in progress. Russian delegation in Tajikistan On October 15 th - 19 th 2008 a first networking visit under the Sida project was held in Tajikistan. The Russian side was represented by the Investigative Committee at the RF Public Prosecutor s office. The official meetings were conducted at the Administration of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Tajikistan General Prosecutor s office, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Tajikistan and other institutions. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 8

9 After the working meeting in Tajikistan On 20 th of November 2008 IOM Moscow announced a student research paper competition on the issue of Prevention and Combating Human Trafficking. A jury will select the best research, whose author will be awarded prize money in the amount of rubles, and be invited to present his or her work during a Youth Conference on Human Trafficking Prevention in Moscow in In continuation, the best research paper will be published in the conference materials. In terms of consultations on perspectives of possible cooperation with most important organizations involved with TB/HIV/STI issues the following activities were performed: On the meeting with two representatives of the Aga Khan Foundation took place. Issues which were discussed referred to IOM s experience in controlling TB and HIV in migrant communities as well as possibilities for joint actions in the field. On the meeting with the regional HIV& AIDS adviser of UNESCO in Moscow took place. Some points on priorities for the country, key target populations, present and future programmes, as well as means for cooperation and co financing of programmes of mutual interest were discussed. On Participation in the BACTEC users meeting which took place in CTRI and was devoted to implementation of modern tools of TB laboratory diagnostics. Technical support on the HIV Proposal by IOM Moscow and IOM Helsinki was being provided by IOM Medical Unit. In this respect, a trip to St. Petersburg for meetings with potential partners of the HIV Project: the director of the city HIV/AIDS Center and the Dean of the faculty of Public Health Protection of the Saint- Petersburg Medical Academy for Postgraduate Education took place on On the 18 th of December 2008 the Medical Unit has participated in the International Conference on the management on extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) organized by Russian MoH and WHO TB Programme. The Conference was held in CTRI, Moscow. EUROPEAN COUNTRIES CONTINUE VOLUNTARY ASSISTED RETURN OF UNSUCCESSFUL ASYLYM SEEKERS PROGRAMMES Announcement of a student research paper competition IOM MOSCOW MEDICAL UNIT Regular surveillance and evaluation of the laboratory services with respect to IOM migration health assessment programs took place in countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Quality control and assessment visits to laboratories used by IOM for health assessment specifically regarding the transmissible diseases of TB, HIV and syphilis were performed to the following areas: Sarajevo, Belgrade, Skopje, Сheck lists based on detected data for the IOM Global Laboratory Manager on TB labs visited has been prepared. Arrangement and preliminary evaluation of smear sets for Microscopy Proficiency Testing for implementation in TB labs used by IOM was performed, as well as account of some TB lab performance indicators and monitoring of a lab activity. In 2008 most European countries continued implementation of Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration of Unsuccessful Asylum Seekers Programmes. The aim of such projects is to develop efficient mechanisms for assisted voluntary return of unsuccessful asylum seekers from European countries with their further reintegration in the country of origin. The programmes beneficiaries are the foreigners, who had applied for refugee status and whose applications were rejected or who abandoned their claim for refugee status.thus IOM Moscow kept on arranging in-country transportation from Moscow to the final destination and providing transit assistance to the returnees. The total number of the returnees assisted by IOM Moscow in 2008 reached 1304 individuals, more than two times exceeding the number of 2007 (621 individuals). 200 individuals returned from Austria, from Belgium, 4 - from Czech Republic, 4 from Finland, 2 from Ireland, 46 from Norway, from Poland, 11 from Switzerland and 4 from Great Britain. 96 per cent of migrants (1257 individuals) have returned to the Northern Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. 73% of migrants returned to Chechen Republic, 18% - to Dagestan, 3% - to Ingushetia, by 1 % to North Osetiya and Kabardino-Balkariya and 4 % to other destinations in the Russian Federation. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 9

10 Most of the projects have a reintegration component which envisages assisting returnees in the activities aimed at facilitating their integration. The reintegration grant money were used by the returnees for professional training or upgrading, partially covering costs of further education, renting temporary accommodation, restoration of houses/apartments, medical treatment or setting up small business. IOM Moscow staff in charge of the reintegration component of the programme developed individually tailored reintegration plan for each migrant. The total number of the returnees who received reintegration assistance via IOM Moscow in 2008 is 111. IOM MOSCOW CULTURAL ORIENTATION Some highlights of 2008 Among the common locations that we have been dealing with, such as Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek and Osh), Uzbekistan, Russia (Krasnodar) and others, our CO trainers traveled to Turkmenistan, Serbia (Banja Kovilija) and Malta to conduct 3-days CO sessions. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan We had two mobile missions to Central Asia. Throughout the year, 12 classes were held in Central Asia with a total of 201 participants. In Osh, Kyrgyzstan we had a special session for Uzbek women from Andizhan, Uzbekistan. The participants had been under a lot of stress and needed a special approach almost bordering with counseling. Their husbands had fled from Uzbekistan in May 2005 as a result of the demonstration that had been violently dispersed by the Uzbek authorities. The group then crossed into Kyrgyzstan and was later flown to Timisoara, Romania by UNHCR. Many of them were accepted for resettlement to the US hoping to be re-united with their families one day. We did our best to do a good coverage of all topics of USCO over the session making a special emphasis on the equality of rights, multiculturalism, importance of learning English, selfsufficiency and positive thinking among other important issues. Serbia In June our CO trainer traveled to Banja Kovilija, Serbia to conduct a three-day session for P1 cases. The seminar took place at the UNHCR refugee camp. The majority of the refugees were ethnic Kurds and Arabs from Iraq; however we also had one Kurdish family from Turkey. The trainees were so used to the artificial camp life during the last several years that they found it hard to understand that they would have to be self-reliant in the USA. At first the participants expressed anxiety and even agitation their expectations were that the U.S. government would provide them with all the essentials such as a free house, a permanent job, free health insurance and other benefits. They did not expect that they would have to start searching for a job as soon as possible upon arrival in the US. During the session it was emphasized that the US is a country of selfsustained people, Americans are very diligent and the majority of them work and study their entire lives in order to improve their skills, qualifications and efficiency and to get better jobs for a better future CO training in Serbia The second day of the training started with questions like: How to get employed as soon as possible in the United States? What kind of work they will be able to get? Will the Resettlement agency help them search for a job? Will they be able to work in the same field as they had worked in their country of origin? Will they be able to find a job without the ability to speak English? Will they be able to continue education in the United States? Will their education be free of charge or will they have to pay for it? What is the best way to rent a house/apartment in the US? What is the cost of housing in the US? How much does it cost to purchase a house? Lots of questions were regarding the Legal System and Laws in the USA. People had lots of questions on Medical Insurance as well as requirements and steps for obtaining US citizenship. It was almost obvious that the people had been discussing the topics during the previous night. They showed very much interest, listened attentively and were afraid to miss a word. In spite of the fact that the majority of the refugees were Muslim, the women also took an active part in the discussions. During the first day of the seminar the trainer also explained to the refugees the pre-departure procedures. One of the sub-topics was the luggage weight and size requirements. On the next day one of the participants brought his suitcase to make sure that the size of the bag met the requirements. At the end of the third day of the seminar the Chief of the UNHCR refugee camp told us that these three days of the seminar changed the attitude of the refugees dramatically. They became very active. They independently tidied up their rooms and the camp s premises. They kept repeating that they wanted to live as Americans and even tried to communicate amongst themselves in English. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 10

11 Since IOM Moscow has been successful in winning the bid for the Overseas Processing Entity this year our USCO will expand dramatically. Our first goal is to make a smooth transition into this new endeavor. A significant number of beneficiaries who were previously under the jurisdiction of HIAS for their CO sessions, will now be covered by our CO team. MOSCOW MIGRANTS PROCESSING AND MOVEMENT IOM Moscow works with the Russian government, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and various UNHCR offices and U.S. Embassies across Europe and the ex-ussr to implement a program of voluntary resettlement to the United States for migrants and refugees. Activities include receipt of applications, initial screening, supporting interviews with the U.S. Immigration Service, and assisting approved applicants with cultural orientation, placement in the USA with resettlement NGOs, arrival documentation, and departure. The biggest beneficiary groups are (1) religious minorities from the ex-ussr joining immediate relatives already in the United States; (2) refugees referred for resettlement by the United Nations, including Afghan refugees in Central Asia, and Afghan and African refugees in Russia and Ukraine; and (3) African boat people stranded in Malta. Comprehensive statistics for the period 01 January 2008 through 31 December 2008 are as follows: Applications received and processed: individuals Presented to DHS for status determination: individuals Departures to the U.S.: individuals In total, IOM staff traveled to process cases, interview applicants, prepare files for interviews, and assist U.S. government officials in: Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Chisinau (Moldova), Frankfurt (Germany), Kyiv (Ukraine), Malta, Paris (France), Prague (Czech Republic), Tirana (Albania), and Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Italy (Genoa), Oslo (Norway), Timisoara (Romania) as well as Krasnodar, Moscow, and St. Petersburg (Russia). MIGRATION NEWS 1. The EU Member Countries agreed to introduce the so called Blue Card the one similar to the American Green Card. This initiative is subject to approval by Euro Parliament and if the case it will come into force no earlier than May 2011, i.e. two and a half years after such approval is got. The introduction of the Blue Card will become a challenge to the growing competition for professional human resources. The Blue Card will attract the high level specialists from non EU countries to come and work in the countries of the European Union (DW-World). 2. The Agreement on visa free mutual visits of the Russian and Macedonian nationals came into force on the 31 st of October According to the Agreement the Russian and Macedonian nationals travelling to the respective countries for business, professional, educational, cultural purposes as well as for treatment, sport activities and private visits may stay in the respective countries without a visa provided the period of stay is no longer that 90 days (ITAR TASS). 3. The World Crises has already had its effect at the labour migrants employed in Russia. Quite a number of them have already lost their jobs. Currently there are 12, 1 million labour migrants in Russia, which makes Russia the second largest migrant hosting country after the USA with its 38,4 million migrants workers. During 2007 the labour migrants remitted from Russia abroad 11, 4 billion USD. However the World Crises affects the situation causing huge staff reductions in the common for labour migrants areas such as retail business and construction. The experts believe it may cause social troubles and turn the jobless migrants into criminals. As the solution they suggest to arrange the return of the migrants to their countries of origin at the expense of employers (NewsRu.ru) 4. According to the amendments introduced to the Law on Russian Citizenship for the individuals returning to the Russian Federation in the framework of the Programme on resettlement of compatriots the procedure of obtaining the Russian citizenship will be simplified. The provisions of the Law stating that to get the Russian citizenship the national should - stay in Russia for no less than 5 years, - have legal source of subsistence - speak Russian will not be applicable to such returnees. The experts believe such steps will make the Programme more attractive for the returnees and the number of the ones willing to return to Russia will increase. 5. The Head of RF Government Vladimir Putin ratified the agreement on readmission between the Kingdom of Norway and the Russian Federation that was signed on the 8 th of June 2007 in Moscow. 6. The Government of Hong-Kong decided to cancel visa regime for the Russian nationals that will promote bilateral trade, economic and tourist relations. In the coming months the Agreement will be signed allowing the Russian nationals to visit Hong-Kong without a visa for the period of time no less than 14 days. 7. The President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev signed the Federal Law on Ratification of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and Republic of Latvia on Co-operation in the Area of Social Provision According to the press service of the Kremlin the Federal Law was adopted by State Duma on the 3 rd of October 2008 and was approved by the Council of Federation on the 15 th of October The Law is aimed at the provision of social support to the nationals of Russia and Latvia residing on the territories of the agreeing countries, permanent citizens of Latvia, holding the status of non-citizens as well as of their family members. The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 11

12 COPIES OF THE NEWSLETTER ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US. IOM MOSCOW 2 ND ZVENIGORODSKAYA STREET, , MOSCOW RUSSIAN FEDERATION TEL.: FAX: IOMMOSCOW@IOM.INT The IOM Moscow Times, Issue 13 12