Top official calls for international cooperation against human trafficking

Dubai: International cooperation is a necessity to combat human trafficking, according to a Dubai government official.

"Just changing the laws and regulations isn't going to solve the problem," said Gassan Khalil, Adviser on Social Policy and Strategic Planning at the Dubai's Community Development Authority.

"To have any hope in solving this problem a number of steps must be taken not the least of which is cooperation and coordination between the countries of origin and the countries of destination."

Khalil spoke at a seminar held by the Emirates Human Rights Association on Wednesday night.

The former chief of Unicef's child protection for the Gulf region went on to say that "We can't hope to stop this problem until there is proper awareness in the countries of origin. The UAE is a country of destination, the process starts somewhere else; in solving any problem you must include the source of the problem.

"Awareness and improving social development in the countries of origin is the key to combating the problem. Also the laws must be improved in both the countries of destination and the countries of origin, as well as reorganising immigration procedures, introducing programs to combat human trafficking in government and private sectors, and insuring employment opportunities and improving living conditions in countries of destination," said Khalil.

Khalil stressed that signing a memorandum of understanding with the countries of origin is the first step in combating human trafficking.