Laws give UAE human trafficking victims more protection

Amendments made to a 2006 law have improved conditions for victims.

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ABU DHABI // The UAE’s efforts to develop laws addressing the psychological effects of human trafficking on victims and provide protection has been highlighted in an annual report on tackling the problem.

“The report paints an overall picture of the development of combating human trafficking,” said Dr Anwar Gargash, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

“Every case you see in human trafficking is a tragic case. Every case is a case of abuse and a case of people being used because of their weakness, because of their poverty, and many times tricked using their needs and weaknesses.”

Recent amendments to federal laws have helped to secure greater rights for victims, and achieved an exchange of information and best practices with members of the local and international communities, highlighting the UAE’s position.

Dr Gargash said amendments made this year to a 2006 federal law that covered international judicial cooperation had eased the collection of evidence and streamlined investigation procedures.

It also offered legal support to the victims in their own languages.

The amendments also make provisions for medical support and victim counselling, in addition to providing security.

Now the intent to commit an offence is the same as committing the crime itself.

Victims and witnesses need to remain in the country only if officials deem it necessary. They are also offered the services of a lawyer.

Aside from Government-led initiatives, charitable and social networks are also active in the UAE, including Ewa’a, a women’s and children’s shelter.

“We have worked very hard to create awareness of the crime of human trafficking,” said Dr Gargash.

“We have also created awareness of the necessity to shield these people from the spotlight, to make sure that they can reintegrate with their societies without the shame of being victimised through human trafficking.

“We have also worked very responsibly not to make this into a sort of PR exercise for the UAE and what it does. I think we’ve done this with a lot of responsibility and sincere care.”

nalremeithi@thenational.ae