Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA), has issued a decision establishing two new shelters for women and children victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Sharjah.

The centres will be subject to the direct supervision of the Administration of the Abu Dhabi Ewaa Shelters for Women and Children.

Article No 2 of the decision stipulates that the centres will exercise their jurisdictions and responsibilities to achieve the humanitarian objectives of the shelters and in compliance with the provisions of article No 4 of Decision No 1 for 2008 by RCA President on the establishment of shelters for women and children victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The resolution specified in its article No 3 that the shelters shall operate in accordance with the organisational structure and regulations established by the Ewaa centres.

The decision will take effect from the date of its issuance, and authorities concerned should implement it within their respective jurisdictions.

Leading position

Shaikh Hamdan said the UAE, under the directive of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to occupy a leading position as part of global efforts to combat human trafficking.

"The UAE is determined to combat this scourge at home and abroad," he said.

Shaikh Hamdan praised the support of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and his noble directives for allocating the founding budget of Abu Dhabi Ewaa Centre, and the allocation of a budget of Dh10 million for shelters this year. He praised the efforts of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union and the Family Development Foundation, in the field of combating human trafficking which was evident through her donation of a plot of land for building a care centre for women and children victims.

Shaikh Hamdan stressed the UAE's keenness to take all measures to combat trafficking in human beings, especially women and children in line with the principles of non-discrimination internationally and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of victims.

He also praised the role played by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, and all relevant authorities.