USIM urged to work with int’l groups

Sen.-elect Maria Frica Pangelinan has urged the United States International Mission to link up with established international organizations that assist victims of human trafficking.

Pangelinan said that USIM and its safe haven project would receive less opposition if it first got the backing of organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund and the International Organization of Migration.

ÅgI believe that USIM, however well-intentioned, is inexperienced in this particular project, is banking on pledges and not cash, and is not availing itself of the experience, financial resources, and worldwide acceptance of established NGOs such as UNICEF and the International Organization of Migration,Åh she said.

ÅgBoth of these organizations, among others, are already established and functioning with facilities, offices and safe houses in Vietnam and Cambodia. Both of these organizations are also working with the approval of the governments in these countries. Because of the international context of this issue, I feel that both the CNMI and USIM would be wise to temper our actions regarding the safe haven project with counsel and guidance from these wise organizations,Åh she added.

Pangelinan pledged her support for the project once USIM had received Åginput and subsequent validationÅh from both organizations.

The senator-elect also submitted to the Attorney General’s Office a list of organizations helping human trafficking victims in Cambodia, Vietnam, and elsewhere in the world.

The AGO has withdrawn the proposed safe haven regulations on Friday on account of the community’s overwhelming opposition.

But deputy attorney general Clyde Lemons said his office would still review and consider the comments submitted regarding the project.

The proposal involves creating a safe haven in the CNMI for international victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution, particularly ethnic Vietnamese living in Cambodia.

According to the proposed regulations, the Safe Haven Entry Permit will be limited to children aged 8 to 16, who will be sponsored by a non-profit entity dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking and sexual slavery.

Initial permits would be issued for a 90-day period, but they may be renewed indefinitely at the attorney general’s discretion. A holder of such permit may eventually transfer to foreign student immigration status if he or she meets requirements.