IOM Germany - counter trafficking activities

Based on a new concept developed by IOM Germany in spring 2003, gaps in the field of counter-trafficking are to be identified and adequate projects to be developed. The main focus would be for IOM to serve a bridging function, mediating between assistance to victims of trafficking in Germany and return and reintegration assistance in countries of origin.
In July 1999, the sponsor criteria for the REAG/GARP-Program have been expanded to include "Victims of Forced Prostitution and Trafficking." Since January 1, 2002 the Federal Government and the Federal States contribute equally 50% to the program costs. As far as IOM carries out reintegration projects for returning victims of trafficking in their home countries, IOM Germany arranges for the necessary contacts.

REAG/GARP

REAG = Reintegration und Emigration Program für Asylum Seekers in Germany
GARP = Government Assisted Repatriation Program

Within this program the following assistance can be granted to victims of trafficking: travel costs (flight, bus, train, car), pocket money (EUR 100) and - for selected countries - an additional GARP start-up (EUR 200 to EUR 500).
REAG/GARP-applications for victims of trafficking should be filed with IOM Bonn preferably via specialised NGOs; however, also welfare or aliens offices are eligible to file REAG/GARP applications. From July 1999 – December 2003 IOM Germany assisted a total of 549 victims of trafficking through this voluntary return program.
In many origin countries IOM has also been offering various services to the returnees. However, IOM Bonn informs the field mission in the origin country on the arrival only if the returnee agrees, so that reintegration assistance can be applied if locally available (e.g. safe shelter). Relevant IOM staff provide arrival/reintegration assistance if requested and/or refer to local NGOs.
There is at least one IOM counter trafficking focal point in each field office worldwide.

Counter trafficking contact persons at IOM-Germany

Bernd Hemingway - Chief of Mission
Inselstr. 12, 10179 Berlin
Tel: 030-278778-16; Fax: 030-278778-99;
E-mail: bhemingway@iom.int

Hans Beckers - Deputy Chief of Mission 
Koblenzer Str. 99, 53177 Bonn
Tel.: 0228-82094-46; Fax: 0228-82094-87;
E-mail: hbeckers@iom.int

Lydia Schauer - REAG/GARP-Global Program Coordinator
Tel.: 0228-82094-24; Fax: 0228-82094-60/-62;
E-mail: lschauer@iom.int

Marlis Obmann – CT-Team IOM Germany
Koblenzer Str. 99; 53177 Bonn
Tel: 0228-820 94-33; Fax: 0228- 82094-87;
E-mail: mobmann@iom.int

Jana Hennig – CT-Team IOM Germany
Tel: 030-278 778-18; Fax: 030-278778- 99;
E-mail: jhennig@iom.int

Mission in Germany:

IOM Germany office Berlin:
Inselstr. 12; 10179 Berlin
Tel.: 030 278 778 0; Fax: 030 278 778 99
E-mail: IOM-Germany@iom.int ; internet: www.iom.int

IOM Germany office Bonn:
Postfach 20 14 62 ; 53144 Bonn
Koblenzer Strasse 99; 53177 Bonn
Tel: +49.228.82 09 40; Fax: +49.228.820 94 62
E-mail: IOM-Germany@iom.int ; internet: www.iom.int

IOM’s activities worldwide

Return/Reintegration – IOM offers voluntary return and reintegration assistance to trafficked migrants. Return travel and reintegration assistance is tailored to the individual situation of the migrant.
Counselling – IOM provides medical/psychological/social/legal counselling and assistance to trafficked migrants in transit and origin countries. In cooperation with NGOs and/or ministries of health and other concerned parties, IOM seeks to address the health care needs of trafficked migrants.
Protection – In coordination with NGOs, international organizations and government agencies, IOM provides shelter and assistance for victims of trafficking.
Information dissemination programs – IOM organizes mass information campaigns in countries of origin in an effort to make potential migrants aware of the risks of irregular migration and trafficking.
Capacity building – IOM provides training to increase the capacity of governmental and other institutions to combat trafficking in migrants.
Research – IOM undertakes research to focus attention on the problem of trafficking, raise general awareness, and provide governments and other actors with essential information for developing various forms of intervention.
Seminars and policy – IOM organizes seminars and forum activities in order to raise general awareness on trafficking, share experience amongst the various partners, disseminate results from research, coordinate/harmonize polices and measures, and create formal and informal networks dealing with the issue.
IOM has been offering to use its relevant Government connections for the benefit of victims of trafficking.
Please visit IOM’s webpage www.iom.int for further information on IOM’s worldwide counter trafficking activities.