Dubai: A new initiative to help victims of human trafficking has been launched in Dubai.

Dubai Police and the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children launched the initiative “Your Protection … Our Happiness” to support victims of human trafficking and ensure their happiness.

The initiative was launched to coincide with the World Day to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, which is observed on July 30 every year.

The initiative, which will be implemented over the next five years, involves six programmes that target four main categories including victims, witnesses, people involved in human trafficking crimes and the entire society. The programmes will be launched in coordination with relevant authorities.

The initiative aims to help victims of human trafficking and improve awareness among the public about human trafficking.

Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Mohammad Abdullah Al Murr, Director of the Human Rights Department, said, “The UAE is one of the leading countries in combating and addressing human trafficking crimes. We have launched various initiatives and campaigns and enacted a number of strict and deterrent laws as this problem is a national issue and tops the agenda of the UAE’s wise leadership.”

Al Murr pointed out that the initiative is consistent with the principles of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking which include preventing human trafficking crimes, protecting the society from this scourge and going after everyone involved in such crimes and bringing them to justice as well as strengthening the international cooperation.

‘Your Protection ... Our Happiness’ strengthens the sense of safety and security for all citizens and expatriates living in the UAE against any human exploitation and ensures their happiness. It also seeks to improve public awareness on all forms of human trafficking and the ways with which the perpetrators tempt and lure victims so as to reduce such crimes in the Emirati society, Al Murr added.