During the meeting, which took place at the ministry?s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the Committee explained the preparations for a discussion session on the UAE?s third national UPR report, which will be held on 22nd January, 2018, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The planning of the session reflects the UAE?s desire to strengthen its co-operation with the various human rights systems and mechanisms of the United Nations, UN, especially the UPR, which is a platform for constructive dialogue between countries, to exchange the best national and international practices, expertise and accomplishments in the area of human rights.

The Committee was established on 21st March, 2010, through UAE Cabinet Resolution No.4/51 and 02 of 2010, as an authority that manages the country?s obligations to the UN Human Rights Council.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring of the country?s UPR and all other human rights issues related to UPR before the Human Rights Council, as well as drafting a national plan on voluntary pledges and the Council?s recommendations, monitoring its implementation, preparing reports required by the council on the UAE?s human rights obligations, co-operating with federal and local authorities in drafting a plan to raise awareness about human rights as part of the UPR, and co-operating with various national authorities to obtain the required information.

The Committee?s members include several federal government authorities and civil society organisations.

Shuhail also underlined the maximum priority of Child Protection Law (Wadeema), whose articles stipulate the treatment of numerous misconducts and misbehaviors that go against the community’s customs and traditions. It aims to help children, the first nucleus of the community, grow in a proper and fit environment.

Such a statement was given on the sidelines of the “Brainstorming” workshop held in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of the members of the Child After-Care Standing Committee and a group of specialized academics and media figures. The workshop aimed at identifying the Committee’s roles and initiatives, and pinpointing the major challenges it may encounter. Many of the participants highlighted the necessity of setting regulations, and mechanisms of relationship with strategic partners and the types of powers the committee needs to fulfill its objectives. The participants shared their most relevant experiences in their respective sectors

The latest developments included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dubai Police and the Ewa?a Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking, which aims to provide the best levels of support and care for the victims of this crime. Visiting officials from the US State Department also reviewed the country?s efforts to combat human trafficking.

During the meeting, the efforts of concerned national authorities to expand national and international cooperation with transparency were praised. The establishment of a specialised team for human trafficking cases in all public prosecution offices, based on the recommendations of the previous NCCHT meeting was also commended.

The creation of these teams will improve the relevant capabilities and expertise of prosecutors, which will have a positive impact on seeking justice, said Al Jarman.

The committee also heard the latest developments, and the requirements to strengthen its partnership with the private sector, through the rehabilitation and training of its employees, as well as its efforts to launch awareness campaigns to reach the largest number of people, especially potential victims.

It added that the private sector is a key and vital partner in combatting this crime and complementing the efforts of specialised parties, while there is a real opportunity to benefit from the best case practices, as well as to share knowledge and experiences.

At the end of the meeting, Al Jarman praised the efforts of the committee?s members and national institutions to combat trafficking, while praising the UAE?s distinguished efforts to address human trafficking.

In her statement, Amiera Obaid AlHafeiti, Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN, stressed that a strategy of prevention including sustainable and inclusive development for all was essential to address the root causes of trafficking in persons.

She noted that trafficking in persons has extended to all corners of the globe, leaving no country impervious to its impact, and hoped that the Security Council discussions on the subject will assist member states in confronting the role of conflict and instability in intensifying the problem of human trafficking.

Ms. AlHefeiti added that trafficking in persons has been a source of concern to many countries, especially in the Middle East, where wars and displacement have torn apart communities and destroyed social protections, leaving many vulnerable to acts of terror committed by Daesh and other extremist and terrorist groups. As a result, innocent people are forcefully recruited into these groups as combatants and labourers.

“In exploiting the vulnerable, women and girls are disproportionately affected. As a global champion of gender equality and women?s empowerment, the UAE believes that this is cause of grave concern,” expressed AlHefeiti. She warned that as women are cornerstones of their families and communities, any crimes against women have major implications for all of society.

Regarding the UAE?s efforts in addressing human trafficking at the domestic and global level, AlHefeiti outlined the country?s strategy, noting that since 2007 the UAE has strengthened legal frameworks, national policies and social infrastructure to help combat this issue.

Through its comprehensive strategy, the National Commission Against Human Trafficking monitors incidence and rates of prosecution to hold perpetrators accountable. The commission works with the agencies to assist and support survivors of trafficking, as well as trains law enforcement entities on anti-trafficking, and increases public awareness of the crime across the nation.

Ms. AlHefeiti stressed that in order to truly eradicate the problem, the UAE is not only working to combat trafficking within its borders, but also cooperating with countries where trafficking originates. This is achieved by working alongside governments to establish legitimate migration channels by promoting rule of law to protect citizens and offering economic opportunities. To this end, the UAE has signed MoUs with five countries, most recently India, to address the conditions in countries of origin.

In conclusion, she called for two interventions to combat human trafficking at international level in dealing with this crisis. First, to holistically integrate responses by advancing cooperation between public and private sectors. Secondly, as human trafficking is inherently linked to the current state of global migration, the agreement on and adoption of the forthcoming Global Compact on Safe, Regular, and Orderly Migration must include stipulations that address human trafficking.

The workshop was held in collaboration between the Omani National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in the GCC countries.

The Workshop addresses the members of the Omani National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, and of other judiciary and prosecution bodies concerned with combatting human trafficking crimes, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and authorities concerned with referral and care of victims.

On his working paper, Col. Expert Hamad Rashid Al Zaabi discussed the elements of interviewing victims and witnesses, building confidence in line with the best applicable international standards, and collecting forensic evidence in human trafficking cases.

He also asserted that the UAE Ministry of Interior has been exerting considerable efforts in combatting human trafficking crimes through enacting laws and legislations, and taking measures that help eradicate this heinous crime.

She added, in a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), that on this day, we revive determination, loyalty and belonging; and pledge to double efforts, diligence and persevere in constantly performing hard work so that our flag would keep soaring in light of the wisdom of our leaders, the sacrifices of our intrepid soldiers, and the determination of our gallant people.

She also pointed out that the flag would keep flying high and the story of our homeland would go down in history as a story of a noble nation that embraces the apex of dignity and glory.

Shuhail confirmed, in a statement to Al Ittihad newspaper, that these positive results constitute the fruit of initiatives and efforts that have been carried out by the country over the last twelve years, declaring that new diploma courses, in human trafficking issues, will be conducted to Ewa?a shelters staff.

She also noted that the shelters developed strategic plans to reduce human trafficking crimes rates, pointing to the efforts officially launched by the country in 2006 to combat these crimes, and maintaining that the UAE has made significant strides in combatting these heinous crimes. She added that the UAE works on implementing the anti-human trafficking five-pillar national strategy of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, through steps like launching awareness-raising campaigns to improve the level of awareness regarding these crimes, organizing diploma courses on issues related to human trafficking for Ewa?a shelters staff, knowing that such courses represent a first of its kind in the Arab world. Likewise, several multi-lingual media campaigns have been launched to inform people about the crime of human trafficking. Moreover, international partnerships are concluded with source countries and cooperation with them is furthered.

In addition, Shuhail indicated that strategic partners in the field of combatting human trafficking are working according to developed plans, which include lectures, seminars and workshops; besides conducting specialized studies with all partners participating in these events.

Regarding prospective plans, Shuhail said that the shelters develop annual plans to improve its performance in the field, adding that ?we have large plans which we hope we will be able to achieve in the near future?. Furthermore, she pointed out that Ewa?a helters for Victims of Human Trafficking, as per specialized international reporters, is a role model, especially for the countries that seek to establish similar shelters.

The MoU was signed by Commander-in-Chief, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, on behalf of Dubai Police, and Sara Ibrahim Shuhail, General Director of Ewa’a Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking, on behalf of Ewa?a Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking. It was signed in the presence of Brigadier General Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al Mur, Director of Human Rights Department.

The MoU stipulates that Dubai Police refer human trafficking victims to Ewa?a Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking as per an official letter, provided that the Public Prosecution is notified of the victim?s whereabouts within 24 hours of referral. It also stipulates that each party, within the limits of its technical capacity, would offer necessary consultations on issues related to the tasks entitled to each of them, especially the issues related to victims of human trafficking crimes.

Moreover, it states that the two Parties will work on building a system for enhancement of joint action, and the arrangement mutually agreed upon will constitute the grounds on which to build towards achievement of joint action, as well as coordination and collaboration as per the internal laws, regulations and systems of the two Parties.

The MoU includes a provision that the two Parties organize joint conferences, training course and workshops on the issues of interest to both of them, that each party ? in accordance with the perceived rules ? extend invitation to the other party to attend meetings of common interest, and the two Parties exchange information, studies, researches and bulletins related to human trafficking crimes

.

Headed by Dr. Sara Scott, Foreign Affairs Officer at the U.S. Department of State, in the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP), and Ms. Emmi Tewksbury, Deputy Consul and Economic Affairs Officer at U.S. Consulate General Dubai, the delegation was received by Colonel Abdul Rahman Khalifa Al Shaer, HTCCC Manager at Dubai Police, and Mansour bin Juwaied and Rapporteur of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

Colonel Abdul Rahman Khalifa Al Shaer welcomed the visitors, highlighting the importance of such meetings that promote communication and coordination, and enhance the level of cooperation towards fulfilling desired objectives. He also introduced to the guest delegation an illustration of HTCCC role, noting that since its foundation in February 2009, the Center has implemented a large number of initiatives that had a tangible impact in dropping the rate of human trafficking crimes at the State level.

Colonel Al Shaer also stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation with local authorities and international organizations in working towards achievement of common goals of reducing the rate of human trafficking crime, being a border-crossing crime.

A statement, at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered by First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN, Ghasaq Shaheen, the statement emphasised the UAE’s proactive approach to human rights, the results of which have been reflected in the significant progress in improving and expanding labour regulations and human trafficking laws, women’s rights, protection of children, rights of persons with disabilities, and promotion of equality.

The UAE pledged to further develop its human rights framework in accordance with international standards, as well as continue to strengthen the various mechanisms and institutions promoting the cause. As part of its commitment to the UN Human Rights Council?s mandate, the UAE reviewed a number of periodic reports for 2015-2017 on the rights of the child, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the rights of persons with disabilities, and most recently the elimination of racial discrimination, in August 2017.

In addition, the statement pointed out that the UAE is due to submit its first report on anti-torture. At the end of October 2017, the UAE will also deliver its third Universal Periodic Review, UPR, report on human rights to the Secretariat of the Council, and will review it in a meeting on 22nd January, 2018.

As part of ongoing efforts to be among the most responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities, and to protect and promote their rights and dignity, the UAE’s leadership has stressed that persons with disabilities be referred to as “people of determination.” This is in recognition of the strong will and determination which characterises the community, including their contributions to society. To support the ongoing efforts, the UAE launched the National Strategy for Empowering People with Determination, aimed to create a supportive and inclusive society for persons with disabilities and their families through policies and services to accommodate their specific needs.

Regarding the labour agenda, the statement noted that the UAE acknowledges the contributions of foreign workers in the development of the national economy, and has undertaken a series of measures aimed at protecting the rights of workers in labour disputes and access to legal remedies. These measures include introducing more flexibility in the labour market, establishing a more balanced contractual relationship between employees and employers, and improving monitoring systems. The UAE?s Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 aims to balance and regulate the contractual working relationship, and more importantly reflects the UAE’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and harmonize national legislation with international standards.

The statement concluded with the UAE reaffirming its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and meeting related challenges in light of rapid global changes.