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Combating Human Trafficking in Israel

The Israeli government is expected to approve a plan to combat human trafficking.

The goal: Assist victimized, often abused migrant workers.

The government on Sunday is expected to approve a national plan to combat human trafficking. The plan will be presented by Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, Cabinet Secretary Oved Yehezkel and Justice Ministry Director Geberal Moshe Shilo who heads the Directors General Trafficking Committee.
   
The plan calls for providing housing solutions to victims; establishment of a rehab facility for victims who suffer psychosocial and medical problems; employment services and translation services. Medical services will be provided by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services. The Social Services. Ministry will allocate NIS 4.2 million ($1.1 million) to fund the plan.

The project's initiators said that the motivation is strictly humanitarian: "the victims of human trafficking, slavery or prostitution in Israel deserve protection and care."

Currently the victims are housed in various temporary facilities, homes of human rights activists and volunteers or various ad hoc institutions. "These are inappropriate solutions that do not provide structured support services."

Adapted from: Tova Ztimuki, "Combating human trafficking." ynetnews.com 30 November 2007.