Abu Dhabi: A European Union (EU) delegation stressed that the UAE has become a pioneer among many countries in combating human trafficking.

A delegation composed of consuls of member states in the European Union paid a visit yesterday to Abu Dhabi's shelter centre which provides asylum to the victims of human trafficking.

The delegation headed by Spanish Consul General in the UAE Vicente Cacho was received by Executive Director of the Shelter Centre Sara Suhail, who briefed the diplomats on the centre's role in providing humanitarian care to the victims and the services provided by these centres in the fields of health care, social, psychological and legal support.

Sara said the centres enhance the UAE's leading role in combating the crime of human trafficking. She stressed that the efforts of the country in this regard have earned international recognition and were cited in several UN reports.

The delegation asserted that the UAE has become a pioneer among a lot of countries in combating this transnational crime, especially by way of developing a legislative and institutional framework and enacting laws that check the growth of human trafficking.

Goals

While taking the delegation on the tour of the centre, Sara explained the goals, vision and mission of the Shelter Centres. She said that encouraged by the success of the Abu Dhabi Shelter Centre, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority gave orders to establish similar centres in the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Earlier the delegation of EU Embassies and Consulates visited the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking at the Ministry of Federal National Council Affairs.

The delegation was received by Dr Saeed Al Ghafli, rapporteur of the committee in the presence of senior officials.

Dr Al Ghafli briefed the delegation about the functions, achievements and partners of the committee, as well as its initiatives to spread awareness among categories of the community and its regional and international roles.

Both sides exchanges views, proposals and initiatives during the meeting to tackle the world human trafficking issue.