H.E. Dr. Gargash said that community awareness represents an important factor in combating these crimes, and therefore, the campaign launched by the Committee will strengthen the UAE’s position in the global efforts to control the menace of human trafficking.

“A few days back,His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, issued a resolution for establishing a centre for adult male victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.On behalf of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, I would like to express my great appreciation for the decision of His Highness which is consistent with the stand adopted by the UAE to fight human trafficking crimes, and reduce their impacts on the society through partnerships and agreements between competent authorities in the country,” H.E Dr. Gargash said.

H.E. Dr. Gargash affirmed that human trafficking is a national issue affecting the social fabric of the country, and the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates has taken up the fight against such trans-national crimes as a priority in order to safeguard the society.

“The campaign against human trafficking highlights the significant role played by the UAE in raising the level of awareness among all segments of the society about the threat posed by this criminal activity. It also confirms the UAE’s determination to tackle these crimes through legislative and executive channels and international cooperation,” H.E. Dr. Gargash said.

Highlighting the proactive role played by the media in supporting the ongoing efforts to control such crimes, H.E. Dr. Gargash urged the media to find innovative ways to convey relevant information to their audience which would serve to reinforce the campaign against such crimes. The media is a key partner for the Committee in the campaign to raise awareness as well as other similar campaigns and future initiatives, H.E. Dr. Gargash added.

HE Dr. Gargash pointed out that the UAE has taken major steps in combating human trafficking through the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking following the amendment of the Federal Law No. 51, which has made it possible to better safeguard the victims of such crimes in accordance with the Palermo Protocol ratified by the UAE in 2009.

The campaign aims to create comprehensive awareness in the society and develop partnerships between the public and private sectors to unifynational efforts in combating human trafficking.