UAE builds on funds to battle human trafficking

ABU DHABI // The UAE has pledged US$50,000 (Dh183,650) in aid to the United Nations to support efforts against human trafficking.

At a meeting of the UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking yesterday, members reviewed the pledge that was announced last month in New York and focused on helping women and children.

The committee also planned to work with any country wishing to know more about the UAE's work in the field and provide all necessary training.

They said the decision was made after reviewing the work of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, which trained a group of Afghan women to run shelters.

Training would be provided by the country's Ewaa centres and the foundation.

"The regular meetings and in-depth discussions … of the committee reflect the high cooperation and coordination local entities play inside the country in this field," said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and head of the committee.

"And it reflects the maturity and awareness of these entities in working with crimes of human trafficking, which are rejected by all segments of society and country laws as it has a negative effects on a person, the most important wealth on this Earth."

Support by local entities showed the effectiveness and seriousness of UAE efforts, said Dr Gargash.

He said the UAE was a pioneer in supporting Arab, regional and international efforts to battle human trafficking and providing full protection for victims.

At last week's FNC session, the 2006 federal law on human trafficking was amended to ensure a list of rights and legal protection to victims and to help the UAE adhere to the Palermo Agreement, an international protocol attached to the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.

Although all trafficking victims are already referred to an Ewaa shelter, the amendments make it a legal requirement.

In all investigations, victims must first be told of their legal rights in a language they understand, and be given the chance to express their legal, physical and social needs.

They will be provided with a court-funded lawyer and if they ask for, or appear to need, medical or psychological support, they must be taken to a health centre.

Once court proceedings are over, the victim and any witnesses may stay in the country if they wish.

Those who disseminate photographs or names of victims will be fined up to Dh10,000, amended from a Dh1,000 fine by the FNC.

The committee also looked into a number of reports prepared by local entities, including the Ewaa centres' report of last year. Their recommendations for the coming year were also discussed.

Dr Gargash said the UAE, through applying UN initiatives, was keen to be in constant harmony with international best practices.

In Dubai, the human rights department at Dubai Police held a workshop on human trafficking and ways to recognise victims.

Ahmed Al Mansouri, head of the human-trafficking monitoring centre at Dubai Police, stressed the importance of the these events to help those working as prosecutors.

Col Ahmed Humaid Al Murri, head of prosecution training, said they dealt with cases to the highest international standards and respect, on the directions of Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim, chief of Dubai Police.

Officials were also briefed on the federal human-trafficking law.

Dr Saeed Al Ghafti, a committee member, said the UAE has so far donated $150,000 to the UN for anti-trafficking measures.

osalem@thenational.ae