She also pointed out that victims ? male and female – are received at the both women and children shelter, and male shelter. The shelters serve the UAE’s plan to combat human trafficking crimes, she noted.

Shuhail stated that around 300 calls were received by the hotline service during 2019. According to her, most of the calls consisted of questions about the shelters and their services, while others were to report family violence and suspected human trafficking incidents. Other calls were received from labor complainants and victims of human trafficking.

The shelters offer several health awareness, hygiene and public health programs; cooking training programs, sports programs, handicrafts and artifacts training, in addition to educational and vocational training to help victims have a foothold in the job market, she added.

Shuhail explained that the team includes female supervisors and specialists speaking several languages, including Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Bengali and Filipino, working in shifts to ensure around-the-clock availability.

Ewaa Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking have been established under the umbrella of the Emirates Red Crescent and in cooperation with the National Committee to combat human trafficking, providing temporary and safe shelter for the victims.

From the very beginning, the shelters have been receiving full-scale assistance and support from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation. (WAM)