Manama: An anti human trafficking law is in its final stage, Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking (QFCHT) has said.
"Many articles of the Qatari law protect people from certain forms of human trafficking," Maryam Al Malki, QFCHT general manager, said. "However, there is no exclusive law for anti human trafficking and a law is being drafted now. It is in the final stage," she said.
According to the official, local and international experts are working on the law with support from the QFCHT to ensure the most appropriate legislation against human trafficking. A committee was appointed in January by Shaikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Thani, Vice President of The Supreme Council for Family Affairs, to draft within three months legislation that suits the Arab and Gulf countries, Qatari daily The Peninsula reported on Wednesday.
Maryam said that QFCHT received 147 complaints in 2010 from victims affected by human trafficking last year. The complainants requested shelter or lodging or sought justice.
QFCHT has also heard 13 cases through the Supreme Council of Justice last year, while 674 employers were found guilty of not paying proper wages to their employees.
The QFCHT said it was following the ‘National plan for Combating Human Trafficking in the Sate of Qatar 2010-2015.'
"The national plan features important elements and terms and includes a monitoring and evaluation system in line with scientific methodology. This will also be modified and developed annually, based on the results," Maryam said.
QFCHT will implement the plan in coordination with Qatar University, Qatar Charity, Ministry of Social Affairs, Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development and the education ministry.
The plan aims to create awareness among foreign workers as well as doctors and law enforcing officers to identify the victims.
