The number of reported human trafficking cases in the UAE has decreased last year, as compared to the previous three years, according to a top official.

 

Brigadier Ahmed Mohammed Nehkairah, head of Human Rights Department and head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee at the Ministry of Interior, said it is a result of the media campaign that raised awareness regarding the dangers of such crimes, the effective procedures and measures, and the stricter judicial rullings against perpetrators.

 

The UAE has taken the initiative to address human trafficking crimes in every form by committing to the principles of justice and equality, the basis of religious and moral responsibilities, and to preserve human dignity, he said.

 

“Human trafficking is considered as one of the most dangerous forms of organized crimes, as it threatens the security and stability of various countries around the world. It is one of the most heinous actions taken against humanity and its social and ethical tenets; where victims are left to suffer the physical, psychological, and social damages,” he said. 

 

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is working hard to counter human trafficking.  In a bid to confront such crimes, the MoI has enhanced its co-operation with the law enforcement authorities through an integrated network of mutual agreements and joint measures, and through the exchange of expertise and information relevant to this field. 

 

In an effort to further reduce these crimes, the MoI has additionally established a set of procedures that include organizing workshop and training courses, spreading knowledge and raising the awareness levels of those working in law enforcement in relation to the application the law against human trafficking.

 

“The efforts of the MoI in the fight against human trafficking are a translation of the vision of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and of his keenness to preserve the nation’s journey of safety and security,” Brigadier Nekhairah said. 

 

“Hence, combatting such crimes is extremely important for the MoI, as reflected in the Strategy 2014-2016, which endeavors to place the UAE among the top countries in the world in terms of safety and security,” he said.

 

He highlighted the protection and support provided by the MoI to the victims on humanitarian grounds; in addition to its penal role, within its participation in executing the federal law pertaining to combatting human trafficking crimes, in tracking and arresting the perpetrators involved in human trafficking.

 

He mentioned that the Ministry’s strategy in the fight against human trafficking is based on working effectively in the development of countering procedures on the ground. 

 

It further works to strengthen this status and protect those living within the nation by arresting and prosecuting perpetrators, providing protection for the victims and witnesses, and by contributing within the international coordination and cooperation in this field.   

 

He noted that the MoI has taken several preventive measures and security procedures to curb human trafficking crimes. 

 

Tracking criminals is one of the priorities of the countering teams within the Ministry, which have adopted field plans, initiatives, and policies to track criminals and bring them to justice by activating the relevant legislation necessary for the arrest, investigation, and tracking procedures, said Brigadier Nekhairah.

 

He noted that the MoI realised the importance of international co-operation in combatting cross-border human trafficking crimes despite the potential difficulties and challenges. 

 

The Ministry has adopted more than one area in the exchange of information and legal cooperation through international agreements, treaties, bilateral memoranda of understanding, and through the country’s membership in the Interpol.

 

He said that the country has signed 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding to which the MoI was a party, in addition to 12 applicable memoranda of understanding with various countries. 

 

As many as 20 draft agreements have been made with a number of countries in the field of human rights, specifically in the field of countering human trafficking.

 

Meanwhile, he also highlighted the new guidelines issues by the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee at the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Human Rights Department that was entitled 'Reference Model on Anti-Human Trafficking Crimes from a Security Perspective.' 

 

He noted that the guideline aims to provide law enforcement with essential knowledge regarding the relevant regulations, laws, and international treaties, as the police are fully aware of its role in this regard. 

 

It also aims to enhance awareness on anti-human trafficking mechanisms to guarantee rule of law, provide protection for human trafficking victims, introduce law enforcement to the preventive procedures, and avoid human trafficking crimes and all associated acts.

 

Colonel Mohammed Al Shehhi, deputy head of the Human Rights Department, elaborated on the divisions of the guideline, as the reference model consists of eight chapters. 

 

The first chapter tackles national and international legislations of countering human trafficking crimes; the second reviews mechanisms and tools of fighting human trafficking crimes at the Ministry of Interior; the third explains the preventive procedures for countering human trafficking; the fourth discusses anti-human trafficking efforts and prosecuting criminals; the fifth tackles victims protection and support; the sixth focuses on international cooperation on anti-human trafficking; the seventh tackles building national capabilities to counter human trafficking crimes; and the eighth chapter includes the appendices. - TradeArabia News Service