UAE strengthens global partnerships to combat human trafficking

Dubai: As July 30 marks the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast commitment to combating this grave violation of human dignity.

In his statement, Al Nuaimi emphasized the UAE's continuous development of an integrated national digital system grounded in justice, transparency, and the protection of human rights. He highlighted the country’s focus on leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to accelerate procedures and enhance coordination among relevant entities. These efforts aim to alleviate victims’ suffering and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Al Nuaimi also stressed that effectively confronting human trafficking requires comprehensive international cooperation. The UAE is committed to strengthening partnerships with countries and global organizations, promoting the exchange of expertise and information to build a unified front against this crime. He underscored that the elimination of human trafficking is a shared responsibility, achievable only through concerted global efforts.

Combating human trafficking: Pillars and legal frameworks

The UAE actively combats all forms of human trafficking on both regional and international levels through key pillars: legal frameworks, prevention, prosecution, victim protection, and enhanced international cooperation. Various institutions across the country provide care and rehabilitation services to trafficking victims, including the “Ewa’a” Shelters, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), the Abu Dhabi Shelter and Humanitarian Care Center, and the Women Protection Center in Sharjah.

The UAE was among the first countries in the region to join the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The nation ensures its anti-trafficking efforts align with the standards and provisions of these critical international instruments. As the nature of human trafficking evolves, new challenges necessitate robust cooperation among national and international stakeholders, equipped with modern technology to ensure speed and adaptability against continually developing criminal methods.

The UAE has prioritized victim empowerment and protection through Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 on combating human trafficking crimes, and its subsequent amendments, which serve as a legislative safeguard for victims’ rights and a mechanism to ensure justice. This year, the National Committee and its members have proposed legislative amendments to Law No. 51 of 2006 to toughen penalties on perpetrators and expand protection services for victims, contributing significantly to general deterrence and enabling the law to keep pace with evolving criminal techniques.

Efforts of the National Committee to combat human trafficking

Since 2012, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking has coordinated national and international efforts across all relevant sectors. It has established a structured framework governing its operations and those of its member entities, including a national strategy and action plan based on five pillars: prevention, prosecution, punishment, victim protection, and international cooperation.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the UAE reiterates its unwavering determination to eradicate this heinous crime, underscoring the importance of collaboration at national, regional, and international levels. The UAE calls upon all stakeholders, including states, UN agencies, and civil society organisations to unite efforts to address this transnational crime.

Federal Decree-Law No. (24) of 2023 on combating human trafficking

Under Federal Decree-Law No. (24) of 2023, a person commits a human trafficking crime if they:

• Sell, offer for sale, promise, recruit, use, transport, transfer, harbor, receive, or deliver one or more persons, whether inside the country or across its borders, through the use of force, threat, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or influence, or exploitation of vulnerability, for the purpose of exploitation; or

• Give or receive money or benefits to obtain the consent of a person who has control over another person to exploit the latter.

A case is considered human trafficking even if none of the aforementioned means were used, provided the victim is a child or a person lacking legal capacity.

Human trafficking includes all forms of sexual exploitation, exploitation of others in prostitution, forced labour, organ or tissue removal, forced service, slavery, begging, and practices similar to slavery or servitude. The law imposes a temporary prison sentence of no less than five years and a fine of no less than AED 1 million for those convicted of human trafficking. The legislation also emphasizes raising awareness about the crime, protecting victims, and safeguarding witnesses.

Report human trafficking and get support

The UAE is resolutely fighting human trafficking in all its forms. Several entities in the country are dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation to victims, including:

1. Ewa’a Shelters: These shelters provide temporary accommodation and essential care to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation before their safe return to their home countries. Report cases via the SAVE800 hotline or the Ewa’a website.

2. Abu Dhabi Shelter and Humanitarian Care Center (“Ewa’a”): Affiliated with the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, this center provides safe shelter, psychological and medical care to victims of trafficking and all forms of violence. It offers rehabilitation, counseling, reintegration programs, and follow-up mechanisms in coordination with relevant authorities.

3. Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC): Launched in 2007, DFWAC is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE dedicated to supporting women and children who are victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. The foundation offers immediate, free care services including safe housing, medical care, psychological support, case management, legal aid, consular assistance, and immigration support.

4. Social Support Centers in Abu Dhabi: Operating under the Abu Dhabi Police, these centers provide comprehensive support to victims of human trafficking in collaboration with relevant institutions across the UAE.

5. General Department of Human Rights in Dubai: Functioning under Dubai Police, this department provides psychological, social, and legal support to women and children who are victims of trafficking. Services include temporary shelter, temporary visas, and travel assistance for repatriation