Annual Report of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking

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Annual Report Of The National Committee To Combat Human Trafficking

2016

www.nccht.gov.ae Combatting Human Trafficking Crimes In The United Arab Emirates

Annual Report 2016

www.nccht.gov.ae Table Contents

Foreword 04 05 • Introduction Prevention 06

6 • Federal Law 51 of 2006 9 • National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking 13 • Efforts Of Ministry of Interior 16 • Human Trafficking Crimes Control Centre, Dubai Police 18 • Ant-Human Trafficking Section, Ministry Of Human Resources And Emiratisation Prosecution And Punishment 23 Protection 25 26 • Ewaa 28 • Dubai Foundation For Women And Children Promotion Of Interanational Cooperation 30 Conclusion 34 Media Campaign Photos 36 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Committee Chairman Message

Eleven years have passed Drugs and Crimes. The UAE since the United Arab Emirates has also promoted cooperation formally launched its campaign with private and public sectors, to combat human traffick- focusing on employment offices ing crimes in 2006. It issued concerned with the recruitment Federal Law No. (51) of 2006 on of workers. combating Human Trafficking Crimes and amended it in 2015. In addition, the UAE has In addition, the UAE established concluded partnerships and a national committee comprised agreements with a number of of government agencies, law countries and international orga- enforcement and civil society nizations concerned with human trafficking crime. This is based on Introduction institutions in this field. The results so far suggest that the the belief that it is important to government has made signifi- work side by side with local and cant progress in combating such international partners to combat degrading crimes. such transnational crime. The National Committee to In 2017, the UAE will strive to Combat Human Trafficking focus its energies and potential has adopted the ‘5 Ps’ national on training its officials in the field strategy of Prevention, Prosecu- of combatting human trafficking crime, as well as improving tion, Punishment, Protection of the results so victims, and Promotion of inter- partnership between the public national cooperation. Through and private sectors. It will also far suggest that such strategy, the UAE has taken enhance cooperation with other several important steps over international partners to improve the government the past years. In 2016, the UAE coordination and learn from their has made continued its multi-lingual me- best practices. significant dia campaign aimed at raising The UAE emphasizes its com- public awareness on this issue mitment to combatting all activi- progress in for all community segments. ties of human trafficking, given combating The UAE has also continued its that it is a crime against human- efforts to train officials in the ity and because it represents a such degrading fight against human trafficking threat to the values of our and crimes crimes. This was done through other societies. Fighting against participation in courses and such crime must be a common workshops at national and goal for all the governments of international levels. One such the world. effort was awarding diplomas in the field of combatting human trafficking crimes. This includes course work in collaboration Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash with select lecturers, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs representatives from the United Chairman, National Committee Nations Office for Combatting to Combat Human Trafficking 4 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

tional community and eliminate the sources of Introduction this inhumane crime. This report intends to highlight the UAE’s efforts on combating human trafficking crime, The UAE government has developed national record its achievements, identify obstacles policies and legislation to combat human and challenges encountered during the last trafficking, which constitutes a major global year, and highlight the UAE’s plans to ensure challenge as an organized criminal act due to Foreword sustainable and effective work on combatting large financial returns estimated to be billions such crime domestically, as well as externally by of dollars annually. This crime is also linked to fostering cooperation and sharing experiences other organized crimes like the smuggling of with the international community. migrants and drug trafficking. The UAE government also believes that com- The UAE receives large numbers of tempo- munity awareness and the qualifications of rary contractual multi-national workers every law enforcement agencies are essential factors year, which benefits the workers to improve to fighting against this crime and recognizing their standards of living, support their home- its complicated nature. The government also land economies through remittances, and acknowledges the importance of consolidating contributing to the development of the UAE. efforts and transparently sharing information Unfortunately, criminals might engage in with other countries, through establishing part- recruiting contractual workers, and trafficking nerships in line with the strategic plans set by them illegally into the country. For the major- the National Committee. This will ensure that ity of such people, it is only when they arrive the UAE plays its role as member of the interna- in the UAE that they may realize the work they were promised does not exist and they may be forced instead to work in jobs or conditions to which they did not consent. The implementation of the UAE’s legal and Prevention social support mechanisms during the last ten years of its fight against human trafficking has been a success story. The UAE authorities operating in anti-human trafficking activities persis- Prosecution tently welcome cooperation with international partners and organizations to share experiences and overcome obstacles. The UAE government is committed to tackling the exploitative and coercive abuse of any human life. The ‘5 Ps’ Punishment Strategy In 2012, the UAE adopted the new interna- tionally preferred ‘5 Ps’ approach: Prevention; Prosecution; Punishment; Protection of victims, and Promotion of international cooperation. Protection For the sake of convenience in compiling this report, prosecution and punishment have been combined under one section.

Promotion

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Federal Law No. (51) Of 2006, As Amended

The Federal Law No. 51 of of coercion, abduction, fraud, servitude, forced labor, organ (2006) on combatting human deception, abuse of power or trafficking, coerce service, trafficking crime, as amended of position, taking advantage of enslavement, mendicancy, and by Federal Law No. (1) of 2015, the vulnerability of the person quasi-slavery practices. provides the legal framework for the purpose of exploitation. for handling human trafficking This definition is closely cases. Since 2007, more and c. Giving or receiving pay- aligned with what is outlined more people have become ments or benefits to obtain the in the Palermo Protocol and aware of the law. consent of a person or having by other international legisla- control over another person tions. It offers strong punitive Article (1), bis (1) of combat- for the purpose of exploitation. measures, including maximum ting human trafficking law penalties of life imprisonment, Prevention defines human trafficking as 2. The following shall be and covers all forms of human follows: deemed human trafficking, trafficking. even if the same does not in- 1. Whoever commits any of corporate the use of any of the Under such law, a life sen- the following shall be deemed means provided in the previous tence is applicable if the crime a perpetrator of human traf- paragraph: is committed through deceit, ficking crime: if it involves the use of force a. Recruiting, transferring, or threat of murder or bodily a. Selling of persons, offering deporting, harboring or receiv- harm, or if it involves physi- persons for selling or buying, or ing a child for the purpose of promising for the same. cal or psychological torture. exploitation. Furthermore, the 16-article b. Soliciting persons, employ- b. Selling, or offering a child law prescribes stiff penalties ing, recruiting, transferring, for selling or buying. against traffickers ranging from deporting, harboring, receiving, one year in jail to life imprison- or sending the same within the 3. Under this Article, ex- ment and paying fines ranging country or across the national ploitation includes all forms between 100,000 and one borders, by means of threat of sexual exploitation, engag- million dirhams ($27,500 and or use of force, or other forms ing others in prostitution, $275,000).

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These amendments are aimed at achieving further protecting victims of this crime. Amendments are as follows:

Victims-friendly Amendments Inform victim and witness of their legal rights, in a language 1 understood by them, and allowing them to express their legal and social needs. Prevention

Refer victim, if required, to any medical entity to receive psycholog- 2 ical or physical treatment. Such a person shall be admitted into one of the medical or psychological rehabilitation centers, if necessary.

3 Admit victim into one of shelter centers or any other ap- proved entity should the need arise.

Provide necessary security protection for victim and 4 witness, whenever needed.

Allow victim and the witness to stay in the County, should 5 investigation or trial so requires, based on an order issued by public prosecution or court, as the case may require.

The court may delegate an attorney for victim upon request 6 and pay the required fees. The decision of the court in this regard shall be final, where fees shall be paid under a certificate issued by the court that pays the said fees.

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As part of its international provisions for international and Punish Trafficking in commitment to combat cooperation in anti-human Persons, especially Women human trafficking, the UAE trafficking efforts. More and Children (Palermo Pro- acceded to the UN Conven- importantly, in September tocol), which is one of the tion against Transnational 2008, the UAE acceded to two protocols attached to Organised Crime (2000) in the United Nations Pro- the Transnational Organised April 2005. This includes tocol to Prevent, Suppress Crime Convention.

Other Relevant Legislations The UAE issued two by- organs from living or de- Resources and Emiratisa- laws in 2010 and 2011. The ceased persons by means tion issued Ministerial first regulated Federal Law of abduction, deception, Decision No. 739/2016, No. 15 of (1993), concern- coercion, abuse of power, supplementary to the

Prevention ing Human Organ Trans- or exploiting vulnerability. Ministerial Decree No. plantation, and aimed to 703/2009 on the protec- In addition, Article 364 achieve the following: tion of wages. All establish- of the UAE Penal Code ments registered with the • Control the process of provides for measures Ministry must pay wages preserving and transplant- against practicing forced to workers at the due date ing human organs, tissues prostitution, and Article through the Wage Protec- 365 provides penalties for and cells tion System. The employer those who establish or shall be considered late • Prevent trafficking of manage places for pros- in payment of the wage human organs, tissues and titution. The UAE also unless he pays it within the cells issued Federal Law No. 39 first ten days of the due of 2006 on International date, and has ceased to pay • Protect the rights of Judicial Cooperation, the wage unless the wage donors and recipients of which includes articles on is paid within one month human organs, tissues and the extradition of suspects of the due date. In case of cells and accused persons to failure to comply with this, In order to achieve the respective jurisdictions of the their homelands for the Ministry shall take the these goals and avoid necessary legal measures, the trafficking of human trial or execution of judgments against them. It also including warning the es- organs – a practice seen in includes articles illustrat- tablishment, stopping the many countries – current ing how mutual judicial establishment’s electronic legislation includes several cooperation operates, services, automatically punitive provisions. These including in regards to applying the fines through address all cases of organ human trafficking (articles applicable regulations, trafficking, including buy- 6-37) and informing the judicial ing or selling – or offering authorities to take the to buy and sell – human The Ministry of Human necessary measures.

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NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING (NCCHT):

A cabinet order estab- 20 members representing 16 of the Public Prosecution of lished the NCCHT in 2007 to various entities from federal Ras Al Khaimah was added to coordinate efforts and enforce ministries, law enforcement strengthen the communica- plans at various levels in all the agencies and civil society tion between the concerned organizations. seven emirates of the federa- authorities in combating this tion. The Committee includes In 2016, a representative crime. Prevention

MINISTRY MINISTRY MINISTRY OF OF FOREIGN OF HUMAN MINISTRY OF MINISTRY OF AFFAIRS AND MINISTRY OF MINISTRY OF STATE FOR FED- COMMUNITY RESOURCES ERAL NATONAL HEALTH AND INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR JUSTICE AND EMIR- DEVELOP- COUNCIL PREVENTION MENT COOPERATION ATISATION AFFAIRS

NATIONAL COMMITTEE NATU- PUBLIC PROS- RALISATION, ECUTION TO COMBAT HUMAN RESIDENCY (FEDERAL) AND PORTS TRAFFICKING SECTOR )MEMBERS 20(

PUBLIC DUBAI FOUN- EMIRATES PUBLIC PROS- PUBLIC PROS- UAE RED PROSECU- EWAA DATION FOR HUMAN ECUTION ECUTION CRESCENT TION ( RAS AL SHELTER WOMEN AND RIGHTS AS- (ABU DHABI) (DUBAI) AUTHORITY KHAIMAH) CHILDREN SOCIATION

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The regular meeting of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking Crimes. The Responsibilities Of The Committee Includes: Studying and revising hu- Studying reports related to achieve these objectives. man trafficking legislation human trafficking and tak- with a view to enhancing and ing relevant action towards Promoting public awareness securing necessary protec- implementing their recom- on matters related to human tions in accordance with mendations trafficking through confer- international standards. ences, seminars, brochures, Coordinating efforts among periodic newsletters, training Preparing reports on efforts government authorities and other means in order to undertaken by the UAE to concerned with the issue achieve the Committee’s goals fight human trafficking, in of human trafficking such coordination with other as ministries, departments, Participating in internation- relevant authorities in the corporations and organisa- al conferences and forums country. tions, as well as coordinating related to combatting human follow-up actions taken to trafficking.

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The Committee, through are important because the its regular meetings, which more information it has, totaled 37 by 2016, is com- the more proactive it can mitted to encouraging be in its quest to tackle The Committee, concerned bodies to exert such dynamic crimes. additional progressive and through forceful legislative efforts to As part of a com- its regular assure countrywide comprehensive awareness pliance with international campaign on the specific meetings, and complex criminalized Prevention standards and implementa- which totaled tion of laws on combating acts pursued by human human trafficking crimes. traffickers, workshops 37 by 2016, is and training sessions are Notably, the Committee committed to issued the regulatory resolu- conducted by NCCHT in tion on dealing with victims cooperation with relevant encouraging Ministries and authorities, of human trafficking among concerned relevant authorities in the as well as the United Na- UAE and a code of ethics for tions Office on Drugs and bodies to exert media professionals on deal- Crime (UNODC). These ing with victims of the crime. workshops were attended additional by the Department of Nat- progressive The Committee has also uralisation and Residency, been taking the lead in pub- Police, Public Prosecutions, and forceful lishing its annual reports since as well as Ministry of Hu- 2008 to ensure transparency man Resources & Emirati- legislative and dissemination of informa- sation, victim shelters and efforts to assure tion, to increase awareness other relevant bodies. The among the public and at the primary purpose of such countrywide national level, and to high- programmes is to ensure compliance with light the UAE’s effort on com- that those on the front- bating this crime internation- line of combatting human international ally. The UAE believes that trafficking meet interna- standards and data collection and analysis tional standards. implementation of laws on combating human trafficking crimes.

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Public Awareness

Addressing human trafficking crimes is not the work of just one authority, but is a combined institutional and community- based task. Various state establishments Media Campaign exchange information between officials and community members to bring about the The UAE launched its biggest media desired results. campaign which between December 2015 and June 2016 to create general The Committee launched a pioneering hu- awareness about human trafficking and man trafficking media campaign at the end simple ways to combat it. It was aimed at of 2010 and early 2011 in the Abu Dhabi and all nationalities and communities, victims, Al Ain international airports. Apart from in- prospective victims and traffickers. De- formative hoardings, the campaign included signed to reach across section of people distribution of pamphlets in six languages in the UAE, the campaign was launched (Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Russian and in multiple languages and carried across Prevention Tagalog), with contact details of Ewaa various print, electronic and social media shelters for women and children victims of channels. human trafficking. The idea behind launching a media campaign at airports crystal- A number of mediums were chosen lised after NCCHT noticed that most of the to convey various messages to different cases, particularly those involving sexual sections of the people residing in the exploitation, originate outside the country, country including newspapers in English and realised that prospective victims should and Arabic, hoardings at airports, and become aware of the available anti-traffick- radio spots in English, Arabic, Hindi and ing remedial mechanisms as soon as they Tagalog. Additionally, pocket-size book- arrive in the UAE. lets were distributed at airports in eight languages — English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Following positive feedback about the Tagalog, Bengali, Russian and Bahasa impact of the public awareness campaigns Indonesia — and several short videos at the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain airports, this were posted on social media to serve as drive was expanded to include the Dubai source of information to the international International Airport terminals between audience about the UAE’s achievements June and December 2013. Led by the and challenges. NCCHT, in cooperation with Dubai Police, the campaign message was propagated in Further, the NCCHT continuously up- 14 prominent languages, which represent dates its website (www.nccht.gov.ae) to the nationalities most vulnerable to human serve as a one-stop source of information trafficking. on its anti-trafficking strategy since 2006. In order to serve as an active channel of Overall, these results have been possible communication between the Commit- due to the UAE’s massive efforts to gather tee and general public, the new website information and deploy the necessary forces provides a mechanism to both complain to efficiently combat human trafficking and provide suggestions online. activities.

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EFFORTS OF MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

The Ministry of Interior has always been keen to exert significant efforts to combat and counter human trafficking crimes in all its forms. The Ministry of Interior is committed to combatting the scourge of human trafficking in accordance with plans embodied in the National Strategy to combat human trafficking crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

Coordination at The UAE Level

As part of the Ministry of to address and encounter Prevention Interior’s efforts to coor- human trafficking crimes. dinate with the Federal Statistics and Security The sections perform the and Local Departments to Information Analysis Center following roles: combat human trafficking, of the Federal Information the Ministry has established Security Department: The 1) Developing plans and the Committee to Combat Centre specializes in identi- policies related to combat- Human Trafficking. The fying data and information ting human trafficking crime Committee comprises mem- on human trafficking crimes activities. bers from police stations at the UAE level. In this, the center uses cutting edge 2) Examining the meth- and units concerned with technology programs and ods, motives, and local and human trafficking at the systems to follow up the vari- international connections of local and federal levels with ous stages of gathering infor- human trafficking gangs. a view to coordinating with mation, starting from filing relevant general headquar- 3) Rehabilitation and a case at the police stations, ters and departments. It training of personnel to up to issuing judgements at aims to identify the annual combat human trafficking, various prosecution stages, training needs to equip and and providing them with in order to provide decision develop human cadres and the most effective means to makers with security warn- coordinate with concerned detect related crimes. ings and predictions, and authorities in order to raise activate the preventive and 4) Participating in proce- awareness of the serious- proactive role. dures to hear the testimo- ness of this type of crime. It nies of victims of human also coordinates with victim Anti-Human Trafficking trafficking crimes. shelter centers on securing Crimes Section (Federal): and protecting the victims, Anti Human trafficking 5) Coordinating with the and contributing to devel- crimes section has been es- International Criminal Police oping reports and statistics tablished at the level of Po- Organization (Interpol) and related to the fight against lice Headquarters in all the the concerned entities in human trafficking. The emirates. Its role is centered sharing information on hu- Ministry has also established on developing plans and man trafficking crimes with organizational units to best policies to combat crimes at neighboring countries and address combating human the federal level, in addition international organizations, trafficking crimes. These to coordinating federally be- so as to assist in reducing and units include: tween all combatting units preventing crimes in the UAE.

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Ministry of Interior partication on Interpool conference

6) Following up on laws The MOI, in cooperation and local and interna- with local police leader- tional agreements on hu- ships in the UAE and man trafficking crimes. relevant international Locally organized courses, organizations, organized Capacity building and workshops and lectures and participated in many disseminating the culture of combating human training courses, work- Number Participants trafficking crime: shops and lectures at 35 2710 the national and interna- Believing in the im- tional levels, with a view portance of training and to raising awareness and International qualifying workers in the disseminating the culture field of combating hu- of combating human participations man trafficking crimes, trafficking among law Number Participants and in order to deal with enforcement officers. The such crimes in a profes- Ministry conducted the 2 6 sional and accurate man- following programs: ner, the Ministry of Inte- rior (MOI) developed a Use of modern means training strategy for 2016. of communication to 14 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES connect with Ministry media, through holding from the public in both employees by sending text periodic meetings to clar- Arabic and English. messages to raise aware- ify all aspects related to ness on the seriousness of human trafficking crimes. Measures taken to pre- human trafficking crimes. This included a meeting vent trafficking of humans at Abu Dhabi Radio on Cooperating with the In- Issuing a guidance the launching of a guid- manual in Arabic on com- ternational Criminal Police ance manual on ‘Dealing Organization (Interpol), bating human trafficking with the Elderly, Disabled, for personnel who work through sharing informa- Women, and Children’ tion on human traffick- electronically in the law at the stage of collecting enforcement field. ing crimes, particularly evidence. In addition, 58 women and children, and

articles were published Prevention Issuing a guidance sending out public notices in Arab and foreign local manual in Arabic, English, regarding perpetrators newspapers on human and French languages on involved in such crime. trafficking during 2016. combating human traf- Intensifying security ficking for personnel who Conducted awareness efforts to tighten control work in law enforcement campaigns for workers to over the UAE’s entry ports field. This was in addition be acquainted with their and fostering international to the electronic version in rights, and to provide toll- partnerships in this regard. Arabic. free numbers to report violations anonymously. Analyzing and studying The Ministry conducted cases of human trafficking an exercise to monitor Received all complaints, victims’ exploitation in persons who distribute suggestions and grievances order to develop preven- child pornography files from the public through tive measures. through peer-to-peer various administrative (P2P) networks, in co- units in the Ministry of the Providing special and ordination with the Interior. MoI then verifies suitable locations in police Royal Canadian Mounted the authenticity of the stations for interviewing Police, as a member and notification and performs potential victims of hu- strategic partner of the follow up procedures. man trafficking. Virtual Global Taskforce Assigned a telephone concerned with protecting Organizing rewards for line known as “Al Aman” children online. secret agents who contrib- operator service con- ute to detecting human Awareness and Commu- nected with Abu Dhabi trafficking crimes. nication with the Public: Police General HQ. This is to receive complaints Exempting human traf- As part of raising aware- and suggestions from the ficking victims from fines ness and communicating public in Arabic, English related to visa violations with the public through and Urdu. regardless of the period of different means of mass overstay. media, the Ministry of Established the “www. Interior has: moi.gov.ae” website for Modifying the status of the Ministry of Interior to some victims so as to al- Communicated regularly facilitate the process of low them to reside in the and continuously with all receiving complaints, no- UAE according to relevant print, audio, and video tifications and suggestions applicable regulations. 15 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Human Trafficking Crimes Control Centre Of The Human Rights General Department, Dubai Police Prevention

Awarding the first Diploma certificates on combating human trafficking Since its establishment in crimes by raising the capacity ing the conditions of temporary 2009, the Centre has been play- of law enforcement officers on employment. It aims to monitor ing a significant role in monitor- how to deal with such crimes and receive complaints from ing human trafficking crimes, and take care of the victims. It workers regarding human traf- by strengthening the preventive also continues to establish co- ficking crimes and to reduce measures in order to reduce operative partnerships with lo- exploitation of workers that the crime. The center also has cal government institutions, as may result in trafficking crimes. been working to detect, analyze, well as civil society, regional and This is done through inspec- conducting research on, and international organisations to tions of labor camps, ensuring provide strategic solutions to raise the ability of law enforce- the safety and the general con- human trafficking. It is provid- ment officers to effectively deal ditions of workers and ensuring ing legal support to the victims, with human trafficking. There is that companies comply with as well as implementing the also a specialized section in this the requirements of regulating laws against human trafficking center concerned with monitor- the labor market.

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Initiative on Combatting Human Trafficing Crimes and Labors Rights Anti-Human Conducting an awareness campaign to com- Trafficking bat human trafficking crimes, which targeted Diploma 56 recruitment agencies dealing with domestic The anti-human trafficking workers in Dubai during 2016. diploma is the first professional Launching 6 initiatives containing 10 labor- program of its kind nationally and regionally. The program is oriented programs designed to facilitate the Prevention resolution of complaints and labor disputes exclusively focused on tackling in Dubai in cooperation with the Ministry of human trafficking crime. The first Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Dubai edition of the Diploma program Courts and the Permanent Committee for was successfully completed in Labor Affairs 2015, it was relaunched for the second year in 2016. The five- “Your Eid is Our Eid” initiative whereby Eid month course is organized by the celebrations were held with victims of hu- Human Rights Department of man trafficking in the Dubai Foundation for the Dubai Police, in cooperation Women and Children in Dubai. The aim was to with the National Committee to foster the role of the General Department of Combat Human Trafficking, Dubai Human Rights in Dubai Police and the Depart- Judicial Institute. and Human ment of Human Trafficking Victims Care sec- Trafficking Monitoring Centre at tion, which would have a positive impact on Dubai Police. The diploma course the victims in the short and long term. They includes a new scientific learn- victims were given gifts, including cash, as an ing program covering the various act of kindness. dimensions of the crime and the human aspect of victim care. The diploma is aimed at preparing qualified and skilled cadres in all pariticapnts of departments, organizations and parties concerned with combating 8 training programs human trafficking in the UAE, by Ministry of Interior: 22 providing them with scientific and practical skills and experiences re- Dubai Police: 63 quired to contribute to enhancing UAE’s efforts to combat human Civil Society: 158 trafficking crimes and ensure the protection of victims. Leuctures

Number Participants 8 1087

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The Comprehensive Inspector Initiative launched by the Ministry Anti-Human Trafficking Section Of The Ministry Of Human Resources And Emiratization:

The Ministry of Human department was tasked with information about other crimes Resources and Emiratization monitoring the labor market that may be related to human established the Anti-Human by following up the inspection trafficking and forced labor. Trafficking Crimes Section in visits with reports, educating Such studies and reports are 2009, to support the implemen- the two parties on the concept submitted to the leadership and tation of Federal Law No. 51 of of human trafficking and forced competent authorities to take 2006, on combating crimes of labor, and raising awareness of necessary measures. The aim is human trafficking. It is assigned the two parties of the signs and to ensure protection, care and to monitor the labor market forms of forced labor. law enforcement in the interests of the vulnerable party in the la- and detect the indicators of The Section was tasked with combating human trafficking bor market in accordance with preparing studies and periodic international requirements. for all categories of workers in reports on the working terms the premises and work sites and conditions in the inspected Through field visits and of institutions registered with institutions. It also works on any techniques of investigating and the Ministry of Human Re- information or facts that may monitoring the conditions of sources and Emiratization. The result in organized crimes or the labor market, the section

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is working towards solv- Smart Inspection: support to transfer this ing many problems that experience and apply it to may be a form of forced It is an electronic system their entities. labor conditions, includ- that combines the data of ing long working hours, Ratebi system, inspection Smart guidance system: gender discrimination at system, self-inspection system and e-inspection This is the first smart work, problems related to remote device to carry women’s rights in ensuring system. The system provides indicators, the estab- out awareness and guid- maternity care and require- ance and provide legal ments of holidays and lishment risk degree and accordingly the facility will information to workers in a breastfeeding hours, wages simple, easy and accessible and salaries. It also moni- be visited for further monitoring. The system has vari- way and across all levels tors employment of worker Prevention able indicators that are de- of skills. It is an electronic without obtaining work guide where the worker permits from the Ministry termined by the degree of the seriousness of risk. The undergoes an electronic of Human Resources and training course on the Emiratization, labor hous- system is a tool that allows inspectors of the Ministry labor law and the proce- ing camps which are in dures within reach of the violation of international of Human Resources and worker and in his or her requirements, appropriate Emiratisation to create and spoken language. work environment, provi- track inspection requests, as well as to follow up on sion of occupational health The idea of the smart the establishments and and safety standards, and guidance device is to their concluded subcon- other violations that the invent or manufacture a tracts to see whether they ministry is keen to control device that acts as a guide adhere to the conditions of and reduce. The section and be used in the centers work set forth by the law also ensures legal advice or places and areas fre- for workers and protect for affected persons. quently visited by workers. their rights. With respect The device allows workers The Ministry of Human to workplaces, the system Resources and Emiratiza- monitors whether they to access the information tion has also worked to comply with health and and benefit from the smart develop electronic moni- safety standards, and if services provided by the toring systems in order to workers work in areas that Ministry in line with the improve detecting of hu- do not constitute a risk to smart government plans. man trafficking crimes or their lives. This application Labor Camps Applica- forced labor. These include was considered one of the tion: smart inspection system, best smart applications to smart guidance system, analyze the risks and data This application obli- labor camps application, available in the Minis- gates labor camp owners ‘Salama’ application, ‘Amin’ try’s systems and relevant to register their accom- application, and ‘Ratebi’ authorities, and determine modations, locations system, among others. the levels of risk. This ap- and provide the names These monitoring tools plication was commended of workers in each room. contribute to regularly regionally and internation- The program identifies the observing the labor market ally, as a group of local and workers eligible for hous- by specialists all over the international organizations ing by the companies and UAE. have requested technical then monitors if health

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and occupational safety standards inside the housing are applied. The aim is to avail a dignified environment for workers to live in, preserve their rights, Comprehensive Inspector and prevent workers from being overcrowded in the Early in 2016, the This process is intended rooms and labor camps in Ministry of Human Re- to provide modern con- contravention to the law. sources and Emiratization trol tools to ensure the launched the Comprehen- application of legislations Salama Application: sive Inspector Initiative that achieve common This obliges employers by preparing 12 compre- interests of the two to report any work injury hensive teams at the UAE parties of production, suffered by the worker level. This aims at working and improve the level of immediately after the ac- on a Comprehensive In- services provided in the cident so that the Ministry spection Program, where inspection sector, and of Human Resources and each task force is focused work on the application Emiratization can send a on monitoring and resolv- of comprehensive control specialized team to protect Prevention ing violations and prepar- of target groups. The the worker and ensure process was introduced to ing necessary reports to their rights are protected conduct a comprehensive take legal actions against and that they receive medi- inspection of establish- cal treatment as stipulated companies committing ments with employ- by law. violations. In addition, the ment above 50, with the completion of campaigns requirement of providing Aamen Application: This will be done according to accommodation for work- is a smart application for an established plan, with ers in facilities and work the employer, worker or more focus on facilities sites. In this case, compre- member of the commu- with high intensity labor, hensive control of estab- nity to communicate, log besides the comprehen- lishments will be provided complaints, and follow-up sive inspection of work their procedures, within for the correction of their sites and facilities. This the Ministry of Human status in accordance with process covers companies Resources and Emiratiza- Labor Law and the Minis- tion mandate. The aim is to that employ more than 50 terial decisions explaining enable the Ministry to pro- workers. the law. tect the rights of the com- plainant or the reporter. and wages. Accordingly, ery of wages. The application also raises visits to the establishment The Ministry of Human awareness and provides is conducted to verify the Resources and Emiratiza- guidance on all laws and validity of the complaint tion has also used a num- ministerial decisions. received from the worker. ber of other innovative Ratebi System: This is a It is one way to allow the electronic systems aimed system that works to con- Ministry of Human Re- at protecting the rights of fidentially receive workers’ sources and Emiratization workers. More details are complaints about non-re- to monitor the practices available at the Ministry’s ceipt of their financial dues and violations in the deliv- website www.mohre.gov.ae.

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Labour Market Monitoring Results

• The number of various between mid-June and types of regular inspection mid-September. There were visits in 2016 was 212,189. 187 violations. It must be noted that these visits are not only • The second phase of the intended to monitor wage Smart Inspection System protection, but also track was implemented, which The number of compliance of companies contributed to the comple- Prevention with labor law, ministerial tion of data for 100% of various types decisions and verify any in- the establishments that are of regular dicators related to human registered at the Ministry of trafficking or forced labor. Human Resources and Emi- inspection visits ratization. The risk level of 2016 • Through such proactive the company is determined in was monitoring visits to estab- by 23 factors and effects of 212,189 lishments, the Ministry was risk (eg, percentage of un- able to clear overdue sala- paid wage obligation, num- ries by forcing companies ber of workers complaints, to pay wages immediately. number of jobless reports, number of expired work • Workers who work in permits, recorded fines, establishments that have not been able to pay wages etc.). Different systems col- are compensated through lect and analyze such data. the bank guarantee Thus, the Ministry was able imposed by the Ministry to determine the number upon the recruitment of of hazardous installations workers. that require more precise inspection. The number of • 66,115 establishments such violating firms in 2015 in the UAE committed was 24,363, whereas it was to the ban from working 22,587 establishments in during the mid-day heat 2016.

21 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Awareness Efforts and Trainings:

• There were 94,046 inspection and awareness-raising visits (periodic inspection) aimed at employers and their representatives to raise awareness of laws “Know Your Rights” and ministerial decisions. • The Ministry launched in the UAE, and that each of • With regard to initiatives for the “Know Your Rights” cam- them must keep a copy of raising awareness of workers in paign in 2016 by developing the employment contract; labor housing camps and work awareness platforms for the terms and conditions of sites, a total of 8,692 visits were workers in the UAE’s ports the employment contract conducted. These were meant to of entry (including Dubai In- must match the employment guide and educate workers about ternational Airport and Abu offer presented to the worker the laws and ministerial deci- Dhabi International Airport), in the home country; the sions, and acquainte them with as well as a group of labor worker must keep his identity their rights and duties. These housing camps of more than papers in a safe place, and the visits benefitted 329,833 workers. 100 workers. About 160,000 worker must communicate Prevention pamphlets were printed and with the Ministry of Human • Issuing “Know your Rights” distributed in 11 languages, Resources and Emiratiza- brochure, a guidance manual for including Arabic, English, tion in the event that the temporary workers, employers’ Chinese, Malayalam, Hindi employer does not provide guidelines, employees’ hand- and Urdu. the worker the opportunity book, an infographic, as well to work as agreed; the worker as the code of conduct for a • The pamphlet addressed shall have the right to leave labor inspectors, and inspector’s the following issues: recruit- the work at any time; it is manual. ment charges, travelling important for the worker to fees, UAE work permit and • Many communication chan- be aware of the legal obliga- residence visa charges; where tions of this decision. The nels were launched through so- the employer and employee cial media. The legal inquiries by number of beneficiaries of have to sign the employ- this campaign was 160,000 the public were also responded ment contract after arrival to in a weekly one-hour live workers nationwide. broadcast by legal advisors. This initiative of consultation hour to train inspectors on how to in a specialized course on hu- benefited more than 10,000 monitor and deal with human trafficking, including an participants and followers. The man trafficking crimes, the explanation of the relevant laws Ministry participated in radio Ministry held the following and television programs on rais- related to the crime, detection courses: ing the awareness of the labor methods, and the techniques of law, in addition to introducing • A course on enhancing taking statements. legal articles on workers’ rights workplace compliance through • Launching an academic di- in a selection of Arab and for- labor inspections, in coop- ploma in inspections, where 22 eign newspapers and magazines. eration with the Institute of employees were trained in facili- Turin, Italy, where 15 members ties inspection and monitoring As part of the efforts of participated. the Ministry of Human indicators of human trafficking Resources and Emiratization • Training of 30 inspectors crime. 22 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Prosecution And Punishment Federal Law no. 51 of 2006 and its amend- Cases ments stipulates severe punishment for perpetrators of human trafficking crimes. According to statistical information compiled from competent agencies in the Depending on the nature of exploitation, UAE, 25 human trafficking related cases were penalties range from six months in jail to registered in 2016. The majority of these life imprisonment, and fines ranging from cases were related to sexual exploitation, 100,000 to one million AED ($27,500 and excluding three cases were connected to sale $275,000). For example, the court applies of children. the penalty of life imprisonment for anyone involved in trafficking crime as laid out in These cases involved 34 victims, all women. Article 2 of Federal Law 51. The efforts exerted by law enforcement authorities led to the arrest of 106 traffickers as shown in Table 1 and Chart 1.

Human Trafficking Cases Prosecution And Punishment EMIRATE CASES VICTIMS TRAFFICKERS ABU DHABI 3 3 26 DUBAI 8 11 31 SHARJAH 10 15 30 AJMAN 2 3 12 RAS AL KHAIMAH 2 2 7 TOTAL 25 34 106 Table (1) : Human Trafficking Cases (2016) Source: Public Prosecution of respective emirates

10 20 43 58 37 47 19 15 17 25

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Chart (1): Human Trafficking Cases 23 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

It is worth mentioning that verdicts were Verdicts included imprisonment sentences issued in nine of these cases. The remaining ranging from one year to life imprisonment, cases are still under consideration by courts, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to with judgments expected in 2017, as shown combatting such crimes. in Table (2).

Verdicts EMIRATE CASES FINAL VERDICTS UNDER PROCESS ABU DHABI 3 3 -- DUBAI 8 3 5 SHARJAH 10 2 9

AJMAN 2 -- 2 RAS AL KHAIMAH 2 1 1 TOTAL 25 9 17 Table (2) : Verdicts (2016) Source: Public Prosecution of respective emirates Prosecution and Punishment Prosecution

24 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Victim Protection:

The UAE’s holistic ap- supporting and protecting The NCCHT established proach to combat hu- human trafficking victims, a fund in 2013 to support man trafficking includes especially among police and victims of human traffick- significant initiatives that public prosecution depart- ing. Charity organizations determine how victims are ments during search and and associations as well as treated by law enforcement investigation stages and at businesspeople are finan- officials, as well as expand- the time when victims arrive cially supporting the fund. ing the help and welfare at shelters. The fund aims at covering programs available to some of the expenses related them. These programs were These procedures par- to victims of human traffick- designed to be prompt and ticularly assist and protect ing, taking into consideration just. The government firmly victims of human trafficking the humanitarian aspect, and believes that those who are by respecting their legal and providing a decent life for exposed to all forms of ex- human rights. them, away from the exploi- ploitation must be protect- The Committee also issued tation, which deprives them ed, and supported through Resolution 8/21 of 2010 per- of their human dignity. counseling and rehabilita- taining to ethical standards tion programs to be able to Law enforcement agen- that media entities need to cies in the UAE cooperate have a natural and dignified adhere to while conducting life. At the same time, those with foreign governments interviews with human traf- and non-governmental responsible for trafficking ficking victims. It sets out

organizations when receiv- Victim Protection individuals in all its forms a uniform ethical standard will be punished under the ing notifications related to that should be respected human trafficking. Potential UAE law, with an endeavor by various media outlets – to stem such crimes, in co- victims are then referred to television, radio, internet shelters until official relevant operation with the interna- websites, newspapers and tional community. papers are completed. Their other publications – espe- residence status is then Further, the NCCHT issued cially with regard to protect- amended for employment Resolution No. 7 of 2010 ing victims and ensuring in the UAE, return to their concerning the regulatory their privacy. homeland is secured, or the procedures for dealing with The UAE government has UAE coordinates with United human trafficking victims a growing record of provid- Nations organizations to find among competent au- ing assistance to victims of an alternative homeland, ac- thorities in the UAE. Such sexual abuse, which includes cording to victim’s wish and procedures were aimed at shelters and protection. circumstances.

Amounts disbursed to victims 2014 2015 2016

AED 205033 AED 294391 AED 64782

25 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Meeting With A Delegation From The Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan

Ewaa Shelters For Victims Of Human Trafficking

Ewaa shelters for women ment, and through such cen- required care. and children victims of hu- ters, rehabilitation programs man trafficking crimes were are provided for victims as Care and Cooperation: established in 2008. It has well as medical, psychological Ewaa shelters provide health been operating under the and legal support. care to victims when they umbrella of the UAE Red Ewaa also opened its first arrive at the shelter. During Victim Protection Victim Crescent Authority as per this period, victims suffer from the Directives Authentica- center in Abu Dhabi for male human trafficking victims psychological and, sometimes, tion Document No. 164 of sexual diseases because of the 2015 issued by the esteemed in January 2014 to handle exploitation they have been Executive Council. Currently, any relevant situation at subjected to. As a result, psy- HH President of the Supreme the UAE level. Ewaa centers chological and social support Council for Motherhood and provide victims of human is provided. There are many Childhood directly supervises trafficking with a number the centers. of services. These programs educational and vocational re- have been developed in line habilitation programs provided The centers have been provid- with most developed systems through specialized courses in ing support for victims since and procedures applicable cooperation with many com- the date of their establish- for providing victims with panies and institutions.

26 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

These programs include Foreign Affairs and Inter- shelters speak different courses in IT, languages, national Cooperation. The languages to communi- sewing and embroidery, overall goal is to take the cate with victims through drawing, flower arrange- necessary legal measures (800SAVE) which has been ment, hotel management to return victims to their designated by the National and accounting. They are homelands or facilitate Committee to Combat then awarded certified an alternative homeland Human Trafficking as the certificates to support them in the event of a threat to hotline for the United Arab in obtaining jobs within or the victim in their home Emirates in this field. A You- outside the UAE. country. Otherwise, the UAE Tube channel on shelters has coordinates with concerned been commissioned recently Ewaa centers also cooper- authorities to facilitate to highlight the efforts of ates with similar centers and processing their residence in such shelters in providing competent authorities in the event that suitable work necessary assistance to vic- the victims’ home countries, is available for them in the tims of human trafficking. and relevant international UAE. organizations, in coordina- In 2016, Ewaa shelters pro- tion with the Ministry of The working crew at Ewaa vided care for 18 victims

In 2016, Ewaa shelters provided care for 18 victims

Origin of human trafficking victims Social status of victims

Asia Africa Europe Child Unmarried Married Divorced Widow Victim Protection 14 2 2 2 3 7 5 1

Age of victims Educational Under 18 18-25 26-30 31-40 Illiterate Primary Intermediate Secondary University 2 5 7 4 7 4 2 3 2

Contact As part of its outreach, Ewaa has dedicated female staff trained to communicate around the clock in several languages with human trafficking victims. These initiatives aim to encourage more victims to escape from the clutches of exploitation and get relief at the shelter

Helpline: 800-SAVE (7283) • Website: www.shwc.ae

@Ewaa Shelters @Ewaa Shelters @Ewaa_ Shelters @Ewaa Shelters

27 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

Training orgnaised by the DFWAC on Human Trafficking

Dubai Foundation for major services such as awareness program in Women and Children safe shelter, legal assistance coordination with NCCHT, (DFWAC) is a licensed and guidance, a helpline, which aims to raise aware- non-profit shelter in the consular and general di- ness of the most vulnerable UAE for women and chil- rectorate of residency and groups in beauty salons, dren victims of domestic foreigners affairs assistance, restaurants, massage cen- violence, child abuse, and psychological and social ters and recruitment cen- human trafficking. It was support. ters dealing with domestic

Victim Protection Victim established in July 2007 to workers. The program aims offer victims immediate DFWAC also provides to introduce them to types protection and support secondary support services of human trafficking crimes services in accordance with including empowerment, and protection and preven- international human rights vocational training services, tion techniques. It will be obligations. The Founda- children’s education, rec- implemented in a variety of tion provides free services reational activities, profes- ways in cooperation with to women and child victims sional training and physical various governmental and of violence, child abuse, fitness. non-governmental bodies and human trafficking, In order to prevent traf- in successive stages for a including ficking crimes, the Founda- period of 5 years starting in tion adopted an integrated 2015

28 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

In 2016, the Foundation Broadcast human traf- carried out the following ficking awareness notices activities: twice a day from Sunday through Thursday on the Continued its efforts in Arabic FM radio, Dubai the “Raising Awareness of 92 FM radio in English, the Most Vulnerable to and CITY FM in Urdu. The objective Human Trafficking” initiative by targeting recruit- 56 articles were pub- of the visit was ment offices of domestic lished by the Foundation workers, in cooperation on human trafficking explained to with the Department of issues in newspapers, these offices Naturalization, Residency magazines and news sites. and Foreigners Affairs. and 27,690 Field visits targeted 65 The Dubai Foundation recruitment offices of for Women and Children awareness domestic workers in assisted 12 victims of hu- leaflets were Dubai. The objective of man trafficking, includ- the visit was explained to ing 6 new cases in 2016, distributed these offices and 27,690 bringing the number of awareness leaflets were beneficiaries of the Foun- distributed in order to be dation’s human traffick- delivered to housemaids ing cases since its incep- brought to work in the tion to 233 victims. UAE. Victim Protection

Contact The Foundation receives communications by dedicated female staff trained to receive communications round the clock through various means, including: Helpline: 800111 SMS: 5111 Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

@DFWAC @DFWAC @DFWAC

29 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES Victim Protection Victim

30 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

International Cooperation In Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

As part of its interna- agreements with more tional commitment to than 30 countries and combat human traffick- there are draft agree- ing, the UAE acceded During 2016, ments with more than 20 to the UN Convention countries in this regard. against Transnational the National Organized Crime (2000) Within the few past in April 2007. This in- Committee to years, the UAE has signed cludes provisions for Combat Human labour agreements with international cooperation several countries to regu- in anti-human traffick- Trafficking late the flow of workforce ing efforts. More impor- and deny unscrupulous tantly, in September 2008, signed a private recruitment the UAE acceded to the memorandum of agencies the chance to United Nations Protocol cheat and traffic workers. to Prevent, Suppress and understanding The Ministry of Human Punish Trafficking in Per- Resources and Emirati- sons, especially Women (MOU) with the sation has agreements and Children (Palermo Republic of with at least 18 countries Protocol), which is one and protocols with three of the two protocols at- India on countries tached to the Organized preventing During 2016, the Victim Protection Crime Convention. National Committee to Bilateral Cooperation: human Combat Human Traffick- ing signed a memoran- The UAE government trafficking dum of understanding and the National Com- crimes (MOU) with the Republic mittee to Combat Human of India on preventing Trafficking has discovered human trafficking crimes. that traffickers and vic- Similar MoUs were signed tims often originate from with Indonesia in 2015, the same country, mak- Armenia in 2009, Azerbai- ing it more difficult for jan in 2011 and Australia authorities in the UAE to in 2013. Negotiations for uncover such crimes. Due MoUs is underway with to the security threat or Thailand. negative social look that the victim may face in its Overall, the govern- home country, this chal- ment’s efforts to forge lenge has been tackled As part of its efforts to international partnerships through greater bilateral promote international and enhance coopera- and multilateral coopera- cooperation on human tion are beginning to bear tion. rights issues, the Minis- fruit, especially in the try of Interior has signed realm of tackling the

31 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

crime at source, which is temporary contractual and competencies of the countries of origin, workers serving in differ- inspectors to further sta- rather than only dealing ent sectors and providing bilize the labour market. with it within its own them with proper protec- borders. tion. Under the agree- It is worth mentioning ments of the Abu Dhabi that the NCCHT in 2016 Cooperation with inter- Dialogue, mechanisms are participated in the com- national organisations being developed between prehensive Arab strategy participating countries initiatives to build na- Further, the NCCHT tional capacity to combat and its affiliates maintain alongside relevant labor international organiza- human trafficking, which continuous contact with is spearheaded by the the International Labour tions to exchange new ideas and experiences on Arab League, in coopera- Organisation, Interna- tion with the United Na- tional Organisation for best practices that will support and strengthen tions Office on Drugs and Migration and United Na- Crime. These included: tions Office on Drugs and bilateral and regional Crime to both share and cooperation efforts and • Workshop on the role learn from their experi- partnerships. of recruitment fees, arbi- ences. These institutions The Ministry of Human trary practices, fraud and either participated in the Resources and Emiratiza- recruitment agencies in workshops or training tion and the International the growing phenomenon programmes conducted Labor Organization, in of human trafficking, held in the UAE, or the UAE 2015 as well, signed an in Manama in October. officials participated in agreement on technical the events organized by • Training course for cooperation in the areas Arab media professionals these organizations else- of labour market informa- where. in the area of combating tion, labor inspection, human trafficking, held in In 2015, the Ministry of occupational and health Abu Dhabi in November. Human Resources and safety systems, in addition Emiratization and the to the settlement of labor • Expert Meeting for dis- International Organiza- disputes’ system. The cussing the phenomenon tion for Migration signed agreement was signed of human trafficking due an agreement to conduct within the framework of to existing conflicts, held a field study about the la- the Ministry’s keenness in Muscat in December. to strengthen its capac- bor recruitment industry It is equally important in the framework of the ity and utilize technical expertise available at the to note that as part of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, to voluntary commitment develop an understanding ILO to contribute towards updating some of the made at the UAE Univer- of fundamental challeng- sal Periodic Review before es facing labor sending/ systems implemented by the ministry, specifically the Human Rights Coun- receiving countries. As cil in Geneva in 2009, the Victim Protection Victim per the agreement, the the labour market information system, which was UAE facilitated the visit of study will target the labor the UN Special Rappor- recruitment industry in launched several years ago. The agreement also teur on Trafficking in Per- the UAE, Kerala (India) sons, especially Women and Nepal for one year. has the potential to help in the development of and Children in 2012. This The agreement emanates followed the two visits from the keenness of mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of the min- of the Rapporteur on the UAE to continue its Contemporary Forms of active role in develop- istry, as well as to improve the inspection systems Racism, Racial Discrimi- ing procedures about nation, Xenophobia and

32 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

Related Intolerance and Periodic Review (UPR) in Process and its Ad Hoc Rapporteur on the Sale of Geneva in January 2013. Group to the UAE, the Children, Child Prostitu- The UAE achievements Cabinet formally action and Child Pornog- on combating human cepted this membership raphy in 2009 and 2010, trafficking were com- in March 2013. The UAE respectively. In 2013, the mended by other coun- attended several work- UAE attended the review tries worldwide. shops and meetings in meeting to discuss the 2016 organized under the UN rapporteur’s report in In 2010, the UAE joined auspices of Bali Process, Geneva. the ‘Group of Friends to include: United against Human This is further evidence Trafficking,’ a coalition • Participation in Bali of the government’s at- of 20 countries fighting Process Meeting for tempt to become a part the crime. The UAE at- national training manag- of the collective inter- tends the meetings of this ers held in Indonesia in national mechanism to Group, the last of which February. fulfill Universal Declara- was conducted in New tion of Human Rights York in 2015. • Participation in the principles. 6th Ministerial Regional Following up on the Meeting of Bali Process The UAE presented its 24th meeting of the held in Indonesia in human rights-related Steering Group of the March. achievements, including Bali Process on People its track record in com- Smuggling, Trafficking • Participation in the batting human traffick- in Persons and Related 11th quasi-official meeting, before the Human Transnational Crime deci- ing for senior officials Rights Council’s Working sion in 2012 to extend in Bali Process held in Group of the Universal membership of the Bali Colombo in October. Victim Protection

33 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

UAE s Commitment to Become A Role Model

The UAE is approach- the UAE emphasizes that tion (of international ing the human trafficking it is committed combat- cooperation). Since the problem not only as a ting this practice in all its government first officially domestic challenge that forms. acknowledged this prob- violates Islamic values and lem, it has consistently and opposes Arab culture and The National Commit- continuously improved its social values, but also as tee to Combat Human efforts to limit the crime, an international challenge Trafficking is working hard and has adhered to inter- that requires concerted ef- on every element in its ‘5 national standards. forts to address. Based on Ps’ strategy – Prevention, the government belief that Prosecution, Punishment, The UAE has made sig- this is a despicable crime, Protection and Promo- nificant progress in a short Conclusion Conclusion

34 COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CRIMES

period, but realizes that channel to violate anti- from recruitment agencies much more needs to be trafficking laws of other and business enterprises. done, and is ready to move countries ahead constructively and All these indicate that systematically. It will con- In particular, the UAE the UAE is committed tinue to prove its determi- seeks cooperation to over- to becoming a model for nation and acknowledge come some of the chal- change in the region and where it needs to improve. lenges that it faces. This an active member of the Simultaneously, the UAE includes: international community. It continues to welcome will continue to cooper- Continuing proactive direct discussion and ate with all appropriate awareness programs for collaboration with other regional and international countries that send large governments, public or law enforcement officials numbers of workers to the to apprehend, prosecute UAE, especially for vulner- private sector groups, or and punish those violating able groups; and international organizations the UAE’s human traffick- that share the vision of ing law and those attempt- Enhancing public-private stemming the tide of hu- ing to use the country as a partnership, especially man trafficking. Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion

35 Media Campaign