The UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) and  Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) have signed a MoU specifying higher levels of co-ordination in the fight against human trafficking.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs, and Head of the NCCHT, signed the MoU on behalf of the committee, while Dr Jamal Alsumaiti, DJI director general, acted as the institute’s signatory.

The MoU is in line with joint efforts to raise awareness on human trafficking and its negative impact on society, economic stability, national security, and sustainable development, according to a statement from DJI.

It seeks to enhance bilateral and international co-operation against such crimes; consolidate efforts to develop relevant laws and legislation; enable the parties concerned to implement protective and preventive measures; and support victims by assisting them in overcoming the psychological, moral, and social effects of their experiences and reintegrating them into society, the statement said.

The memorandum covers the preparation and implementation of joint programs and projects, the exchange of relevant information and expertise, and other activities that complement the areas of interest and specialisation of each party, it added.

It further stipulates engagement in studies and joint research and the organisation of conferences, seminars, panel sessions, and training and habilitation programs for professionals involved in anti- human trafficking programs in the UAE.

Dr Gargash emphasised the importance of unifying efforts to eradicate human trafficking. He said the MoU is a natural extension of the professional relationship between the committee and DJI.

The NCCHT head also noted that such agreements promote a spirit of teamwork, which he explained is essential to the successful realization of any objective.

He affirmed the committee’s eagerness to co-operate more closely with the institute in order to implement the best practices in eliminating the trafficking of persons.

“Our MoU with the committee reaffirms our support for the national strategy for combating human trafficking, which aims to raise community awareness on the devastating effects of such crimes. More specifically, it affirms our support for the full implementation of Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, the first legislation dedicated to combating human trafficking ever formulated in the Arab world,” said judge Dr Alsumaiti.

'This agreement is the first in a series of local and international agreements and partnerships we are eyeing this year to further enhance law enforcement mechanisms and promote the best international practices in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015’s emphasis on justice, security and safety,' he noted.

According to him, the partnership will help enhance communication among concerned odies, facilitate the efficient and timely exchange of information and expertise, and enhance the capabilities of the security and legal bodies involved in combating human trafficking.

'Within the framework of our cooperation with the NCCHT, we will soon launch an awareness campaign that will target diverse segments of our community, including students,' Dr Alsumaiti said.

'This will help reinforce the role of the UAE as a key contributor to local and international efforts against such crimes. We reaffirm our commitment to intensifying our coordination with legal, indigenous, and social bodies and foundations so that we can implement anti-trafficking strategies on a larger scale,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service