UN Official Praises UAE’s Comprehensive Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: A senior official from the United Nations has commended the United Arab Emirates for its significant strides in combating human trafficking, underscoring the country’s legislative, institutional, and technological efforts during a seminar held by Dubai Police to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Speaking at the seminar titled “Together Against Human Trafficking: Strict Legislation, Smart Technologies, and a Safe Work Environment Free from Exploitation,” Dr. Mohannad Fayez Salim Aldweikat, Regional Coordinator for Human Trafficking Programmes at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the GCC Region, highlighted the UAE’s leadership role in addressing this global challenge.

“The UAE has made significant progress in combating this crime, actively collaborating with the international community,” Dr. Aldweikat said. “It has ratified vital international agreements, including the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols — particularly the 2000 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.”

He noted that the UAE has enacted national legislation specifically targeting human trafficking, ensuring alignment with international conventions, protecting victims’ rights, enforcing strict penalties, and promoting cooperation at both national and regional levels for effective prevention.

The event, held at the Dubai Police Officers Club in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, spotlighted the UAE’s pioneering legal framework and its application of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to identify trafficking patterns and perpetrators. Attendees also reviewed measures taken by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to protect domestic workers from exploitation.

Dr. Aldweikat further stated that the UNODC had collaborated with Dubai Police’s Human Rights Department to launch a specialized diploma program in combating human trafficking. “This program has graduated over 754 participants from across the Arab world, with several top graduates trained as national and regional trainers for the UNODC,” he noted. “Together, we have delivered targeted training sessions for professionals across multiple sectors.”

He added, “Beyond legislative frameworks, we appreciate the UAE’s focus on practical solutions, such as establishing the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, implementing a national strategy, and creating specialized courts, prosecution units, police task forces, and trained labor inspectors. The state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law is evident.”

Dr. Aldweikat also praised the UAE’s victim-centered approach. “We acknowledge the government’s efforts to establish shelters across all emirates for victims of trafficking, operated by skilled and trained professionals. Some of these shelter staff have been trained by UNODC in accordance with international human rights standards.”

The seminar commenced with remarks by Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad, Acting Assistant Commandant for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai Police, who emphasized the urgency of tackling human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a serious crime that violates core human, religious, and moral values,” Dr. Murad said. “Combating it requires coordinated action from institutions and individuals alike, especially in the face of challenges posed by modern technologies and transnational organized crime.”

He reiterated Dubai Police’s commitment, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, and UNODC, to launching comprehensive and effective initiatives. “We are working to ensure that the UAE remains a secure and just society where everyone’s rights are protected—setting a model for the region and the world.”

Dr. Murad also pointed to the introduction of Law No. 24 of 2023 as a key milestone in aligning the UAE’s response to trafficking with international standards. “The state’s efforts reflect its firm commitment to human rights through legislation, institutions, and partnerships,” he said.

Recognizing that women and children are among the most vulnerable victims of trafficking, Dr. Murad highlighted the launch of the “Victim Support” service within Dubai Police’s smart application. This service provides trafficking victims with swift and confidential access to legal, psychological, and social assistance—underscoring the UAE’s proactive and humane response to this grave violation.