UAE | Government

Fatima donates land to build centre for victims of human trafficking

Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE General Women’s Union, has donated a plot of land for the construction of a centre for victims of human trafficking.

  • WAM
  • Published: 19:32 April 23, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union, has donated a plot of land for the construction of a centre for victims of human trafficking.

In a move to promote the humanitarian mission of the centre, the Government of Abu Dhabi has allocated Dh8 million. The allocation, which was ordered by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, is intended to enable the centre render quality services to victims of human trafficking.

Commenting on Shaikha Fatima's initiative, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) said “this is a great initiative that complements the strategy of the UAE government to combat human trafficking, a phenomenon that is alien to the UAE society''.

Shaikh Hamdan pointed out that the UAE has been a strong advocate of women's and children's rights, particularly in troubled hotspots where defenceless women and children get entangled in conflicts. “The UAE will continue to lead by adopting any initiatives that would safeguard the dignity of women and children. We shall not hesitate to do everything within our power to ameliorate the suffering of this vulnerable group, who are usually at the receiving end of poverty, violence and marginalisation in many parts of the world,'' said Shaikh Hamdan.

He said the UAE was among the first countries to understand the magnitude of human trafficking crimes, which are exacerbated by poverty, unemployment and socio-economic decline.

While the UAE would continue to work with the international community to tackle these crimes, it would also endeavour to offer humanitarian aid to the victims. “More importantly, we are ready to address the root causes of such crimes by way of implementing developmental projects in societies which are afflicted by conflicts,'' he said.

Sana'a Al Qitbi, advisor to Shaikh Hamdan on humanitarian affairs, hailed Shaikha Fatima's initiative as a feat of a great philanthropist. “This move also underscores Shaikha Fatima's committement to values of human rights,'' she said.

Al Qitbi added that “of all the creatures, human folks are honoured by Allah. They have been privileged. However, what is happening in today's world in terms of violation of human dignity is appalling. Nevertheless, with such noble initiatives as the one made by Shaikha Fatima, there is hope that human dignity shall always prevail''.

It is to be recalled that the decision to set up a shelter for victims of human trafficking was issued recently by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

To be based in Abu Dhabi, the centre will shelter women and children who are victims of human trafficking and other forms of abuse or exploitation. The centre will serve as a safe haven for the victims, where they will be provided medical care, counselling and social support.

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