Dubai: The number of human trafficking cases in Dubai handled by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has decreased over the years through the collaborative efforts of various agencies, it was announced on Monday during a visit by a delegation from the US.
A delegation from the US Department of State on Monday visited the foundation in Al Aweer to learn about its efforts in helping and supporting victims of human trafficking within the UAE community and its role in combating this crime.
Afra Al Basti, DFWAC Director-General, received the delegation from the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which was headed by Jane Sigmon, Senior Adviser to the Director of the Office.
During the meeting, Afra Al Basti said that the number of victims of human trafficking received by the foundation has decreased over the past years. From 49 cases from the highest level in 2010, the foundation handled 10 cases in 2017 due to the efforts made by various UAE bodies to combat this crime, whether through legislation, legal procedures or through raising awareness.
Al Basti added that the foundation has received 238 victims of human trafficking since its establishment in 2007 until the beginning of this year, stressing that DFWAC ensures the highest level of privacy for the victims and provides them with various services, according to the latest international practices, and work on their vocational rehabilitation and help them financially to start small projects that provide them with a stable source of income.
The US State Department delegation lauded the level of services provided by the foundation, pointing out that it provides pioneering and extraordinary services to the victims of human trafficking compared to many bodies working in this field around the world, especially with regard to vocational training and rehabilitation.
“It is rare to see success stories for victims of human trafficking, either by taking them out of the cycle of violence and trafficking or helping them start a normal life again after being psychologically and professionally rehabilitated,” Sigmon said.
During the visit, the delegation learnt about the most important services provided by the foundation to the victims of human trafficking, including the 800111 helpline, which operates 24 hours in different languages, as well as the other channels provided by the foundation for the victims, either by email, fax or text messages.
