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reflection period and a temporary residence permit to decide whether to cooperate in
the prosecution of traffickers.
59. In December 2002, ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, Turkey and Yugoslavia agreed to improve the identification of trafficked
victims, refrain from immediately expelling possible victims of trafficking, refer
possible victims to shelters and provide them with social, legal and health
assistance.
Consular protection
60. In view of the problems confronted by irregular migrants transiting through
Mexico and of the inadequate consular representation of their countries of origin,
within the framework of the Puebla Process it was decided that a Central American
consulate would be established in Veracruz, Mexico. If staffed by personnel with
expertise in migration questions, particularly with regard to consular protection,
such consulates could considerably enhance the level of protection provided to
migrants and prevent abuses and violations. Along the border with the United States,
Mexican consulates keep a record of incidents in which Mexican migrants have
suffered and seek reparation for the violation of their rights. Also as part of the
Puebla Process, a network of consular protection was established in all Central
American countries. Migration authorities and NGOs are part of this network which,
among other things, favours the exchange of information and the development of
policies and proposals to combat trafficking.
61. In the Philippines, the Special Rapporteur learned about the Overseas
Comprehensive Social Service Package, which provides medical, legal and
counselling services in identified countries with large concentrations of Filipino
migrants. This involves the deployment of social workers and medical practitioners
who provide services on the spot. The Government also initiated efforts to establish
arrangements with counterparts and NGOs in other countries to provide assistance to
Filipinos in distress, particularly women and children, who require temporary
shelter, counselling, repatriation and immediate medical treatment. Also, embassies
of the Philippines issue within the country travel advisories and information on
labour and employment conditions.
62. One valuable initiative that was brought to the attention of the Special
Rapporteur is the establishment, upon the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Peru, of Consultation Councils (Consejos de Consulta) in all Peruvian
consulates. The object is to provide for dialogue and consultation between Peruvian
communities abroad and the Head of the Consular Office on issues relating to the
improvement of consular services, protection tasks and the integration of Peruvians
in the communities in which they live.
Prevention of violations and protection of migrants working in the
informal sector
63. In some Asian countries the law provides that the domestic worker contract
govern the terms of employment, salary, rest days and medical benefits. In some
cases, it is obligatory for employers of foreign domestic workers to cover their
workers under personal accident insurance. Some countries have established tollfree telephone numbers to provide information to foreign domestic workers
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