Cabinet approves committee to combat human trafficking

Abu Dhabi: The Cabinet yesterday approved the setting up of a National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking as part of the UAE's efforts to tackle the menace.

The move comes in line with a federal law issued recently by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on setting up the committee for combating human trafficking.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the Cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

The anti-human trafficking committee, chaired by the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, will comprise representatives from the ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, and the State Security Service and the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA).

During the meeting, held in the presence of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, the Cabinet also empowered the National Media Council to issue licences to foreign newspapers and publications.

The Cabinet approved the creation of a Judicial Coordinating Council to be chaired by the Minister of Justice. It will be responsible for coordinating efforts between local and federal judicial bodies and developing the judiciary system in the country.

The Cabinet also discussed a number of memorandums and topics related to the nation's higher interest and UAE nationals and took the proper decisions regarding them.

Panel's tasks

The National Committee for Combatting Human Trafficking has been tasked with revising relevant legislation and secure the necessary protection according to global standards.

The committee will also prepare reports on efforts taken by the UAE to fight human trafficking and coordinate anti-human trafficking efforts with other authorities concerned.