Abu Dhabi: With anti-human trafficking legislation tightened and remedies for victims growing, the UAE has made remarkable progress in combating human trafficking since the country launched an official campaign against the problem in 2006, said Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday.
Dr Gargash, also Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, said the causes of human trafficking crimes are often traced to source countries, where the victims are susceptible to fraud and deception.
“As a committed and responsible partner in the international community, the UAE has joined hands with source and transit countries in the framework of the Strategic Plan of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, tackling these crimes through measures based on five pillars: Prevention, Prosecution, Punishment, Protection and Promotion of International Cooperation,” Dr Gargash said, as he launched the UAE Annual Human Trafficking Report 2014 at Saint Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
According to the report, 15 cases were reported in the courts in 2014, compared with 19 in 2013 and 47 in 2012. In terms of the number of victims and traffickers, 20 people were identified as victims while 46 were classified as traffickers in 2014, compared with 24 victims and 50 traffickers in 2013. The decline is significant in light of 2012 figures which showed 75 victims and 149 people classified as traffickers.
Dr Gargash said that as result of effective steps to address practices that come under human trafficking, the latest figures show positive indications, highlighting the success of the UAE in tackling such crimes.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed into law in February new legislation that makes certain human trafficking crimes punishable with life imprisonment.
Under the new federal law, a life sentence may be imposed if the victim of the crime is a child or disabled, or if the crime is committed under threat of death or serious harm.
A life term may also be given if the perpetrator is found guilty of using physical or psychological torture, if they were carrying a weapon or if they had founded, led or been a member of an organised criminal group.
Dr Gargash said the anti-human trafficking committee is focused on combating human trafficking by constantly updating legislation to ensure that the protection of the victims is in line with international standards.
“It also coordinates follow-up actions with ministries, departments, institutions and organisations to achieve advanced efficiency in dealing with such crimes.”
Pointing out that the annual report is an indication of the active participation of the UAE in the campaign against human trafficking, Dr Gargash said the country will spare no effort in strengthening the strategic action plan pursued by the UAE government against this menace.
Dr Gargash stressed the UAE is moving forward on cooperation efforts with law enforcement agencies regionally as well as internationally to prosecute violators of the UAE’s laws on human trafficking, demonstrating year after year the country’s firm intention to clamp down on this crime.
The report on Combating Human Trafficking in the UAE highlights the permanent pursuit of the UAE to develop legislation to address the psychological effects of this crime and provide adequate protection to the victims. The year 2015 witnessed issuance of Federal Law No 1 of 2015, which included a number of amendments to the Federal Law No 51 of 2006.
These amendments have helped secure greater rights for the victims and achieved the exchange of information and best practices with members of the community as well as the international community, highlighting the position of the UAE on this issue.
Dr Gargash pointed out that the amendments have eased the collection of evidence and streamlined the investigation procedures, offering legal support to the victims in their own language to enable them to express their legal and social requirements. The amendments also make provisions to provide medical support and counselling for the victims besides providing them adequate security. Based on the new legislation, victims and witnesses need to remain in the country only if necessary as part of investigation or trial on the orders of the public prosecutor or the court. In addition, victims are offered the support of a lawyer on request.
The minister pointed out that recognising the importance of public awareness to educate guests of the UAE, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking will carry out comprehensive awareness campaigns this year.