The Gulf Today, October 8, 2013

Panel to establish fund to support victims of human trafficking

By a staff reporter

October 08, 2013

Dubai: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking adopted a decision to establish a fund to support victims of human trafficking, during the thirty-first meeting of the committee held recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.

The meeting was chaired by Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, who said, “The UAE has put in great efforts to establish care centres for the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. The establishment of the new fund will be a major initiative in supporting the victims and helping them meet the needs of their future.”

“The committee will work in cooperation with the ‘Ewa’a’ centres to provide the necessary financial resources to support the fund,” stated Gargash, adding that the wise leadership of the country is keen to eliminate such crimes and strengthen the cooperation with the international organisations to safeguard the dignity of individuals all over the world.

During the meeting, Gargash said that the UAE supports all Arab and regional efforts to develop the expertise to uncover such crimes and provide the victims of human trafficking complete protection and comprehensive care. 

Gargash clarified that the new strategy of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, which is being applied in the UAE in line with the international best practices in this field, is based on the ‘Five Ps’ of prevention, prosecution, punishment, protection and promotion (of international co-operation).

The meeting discussed the committee’s memorandum relating to the mechanism of dealing with the topics listed for the National Committee Secretariat. 

The meeting also discussed a proposal of International Labour Organisation for cooperation with the National Committee to Combat Trafficking.

It also discussed the media campaign to raise awareness about Federal Law 51,the United Nations Plan of Action adopted by the UN General Assembly and the report on the Embassy of the United Kingdom’s visit to the committee in August 2013.