UAE takes tough stance against human trafficking
Tough stance taken against trafficking
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is committed to doing everything in its power to help stop human trafficking and to impose the toughest penalties on those who are responsible for it, according to the first annual report released by the UAE national committee to combat human trafficking.
The annual report, Combating Human Trafficking in the UAE 2007 released a year after the committee was formed, highlights the country's stance, efforts to counter it, as well as obstacles and challenges encountered.
The report, released ahead of the UAE's participation at the UN General Assembly debate on trafficking in New York in June, focuses on the measures taken since Federal Law 51 came into force.
The 16-article law, effective since November 2006, spells out stiff penalties against traffickers ranging from one year to life imprisonment and fines of Dh100,000 and Dh1 million.
At least 10 human trafficking-related cases were registered by the end of 2007 under the clauses of the new law, explained the report. "Notably, there were also convictions in at least five cases during this period, with the convicted receiving jail terms ranging from three to 10 years for committing, aiding or abetting human trafficking," it added.
According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash, who is also chair of the UAE national committee to combat human trafficking, "The UAE stands firm against the exploitation of human beings for any purposes and against the coercive, illegal and inhumane treatment of any individual. The country's resolve to fight human trafficking at home and abroad in collaboration with international partners remains central to our counter-trafficking strategy."
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, has cemented this resolve with a generous donation to the UN.
The report also documents measures that reflect the UAE's concern about the victims of this crime and their physical and emotional well-being.
