Human trafficking threat discussed

Sharjah: The UAE courts saw 36 suspects tried in 20 cases of human trafficking last year, according to the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT).

"In 2007, we had 10 cases tried for human trafficking based on Law 51. There were five convictions, with sentences of between 3 to 10 years' imprisonment, for aiding and inciting human trafficking," said Dr Saeed Mohammad Al Ghafli, Executive Director of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Secretary of NCCHT.

Al Ghafli announced the statistics at a symposium on human trafficking held at the Training and Judicial Studies Centre at Sharjah University City.

"The 20 cases in 2008 affected 30 victims. It has been the committee's highest priority to ensure the safety and proper care of the victims of human trafficking.

"There have been a few occasions in the past where we have asked about the status of the victims and were informed that they have been jailed - this is unacceptable," Al Ghafli said.

"Shelters for such victims have been set up around the country. Also, when repatriating victims the committee strives to ensure that the shelters and care centres coordinate with the concerned centres in the victim's home country to ensure that they are cared for even after leaving the UAE."

He went on to stress that although the issue of camel jockeys always comes up when talking about human trafficking, "the issue has been resolved years ago". "The UAE does not allow children to be used as camel jockeys anymore. In 2007, the UAE was upgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List [US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report]; which is the best of any country in the GCC," Al Ghafli said.

One of the attendees suggested that witness protection would give people an incentive to come forward in case of abuse.

"I'm not aware whether or not we have a witness protection programme in place, but it is an excellent suggestion that I will take up with the committee," Al Ghafli responded.