The UAE chairs the "Government Forum on the Challenges of Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East"

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking Crimes Dr. Anwar bin Muhammad Gargash chaired today the meeting of the “Government Forum to Discuss the Challenges of Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East Region”.

Gargash affirmed that the United Arab Emirates' continuous efforts and commitment to alleviate the suffering of victims of human trafficking and to promote and protect their rights, in order to put a definitive end to this phenomenon in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals / 2030 /.

In a speech before the forum - which held its second session chaired by the UAE through visual communication technology - Gargash reviewed efforts to combat the crime of trafficking in persons in the Middle East, especially in light of the challenges imposed by the "Covid-19" pandemic, and said that the exceptional circumstances the world is going through. With the spread of the pandemic, the responsibilities and obligations of the countries of the region are doubled in order to work to protect the victims of human trafficking, and he affirmed the relentless efforts made by the countries of the region to confront this negative phenomenon and protect the victims.

His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash added that the leadership of the United Arab Emirates attaches great importance to curbing the phenomenon of human trafficking, and urges joint regional action in an effective and coordinated manner.

He explained that from this standpoint, since the start of its official campaign to combat human trafficking crimes in 2006, the state has made great strides until it has become one of the pioneering countries in the region in this field after issuing legislation that provides protection for victims and witnesses, as well as establishing the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking. And drafting a national strategy for this effort.

Dr. Anwar Gargash spoke about the basic right to rebuild confidence in the souls of victims of human trafficking crimes and integrate them into society. He referred to the initiative of the Human Trafficking Victims Support Fund and the rehabilitation program, which opens the door for victims to start a new life.

He noted that the UAE took the initiative in 2008 to strengthen regional dialogue between labor-exporting and receiving countries, including the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, which organizes mechanisms for employing workers to ensure the protection of their rights.

Gargash said that the cross-border nature of the crime of trafficking and the challenges facing the countries of the region, which are considered destination and transit countries, necessitate clear paths and high coordination to fight and suppress all aspects of this crime.

It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates has been keen to include in its constitution and laws the basic principles of human rights stipulated in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates devoted Chapter Three of it to freedoms, rights and public duties, and its provisions included many texts (Articles 25 to 44 /) that guarantee protection of rights and freedoms. The state joined the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1974, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1997. And the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 2004, and in 2008 shelters for victims of human trafficking were established.

The UAE was the first Arab country to issue a special law to combat human trafficking, which is Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 that includes deterrent penalties for anyone who is proven to be involved in any of these serious crimes, and to reinforce these efforts, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2007, in order to coordinate efforts to ensure the effective implementation of Federal Law No. 51.

The committee includes 18 representatives from various federal and local institutions and has implemented a five-point strategy to combat the threat of trafficking, including prevention, prosecution, punishment, protection, and strengthening international cooperation. The committee issues an annual report on combating human trafficking in the United Arab Emirates.

Follow our latest local and sports news, and the latest political and economic developments via Google news