UAE renews commitment to combat human trafficking

UAE Ambassador to Australia Dr. Obaid Salem Al Ketbi has renewed the country's commitment to combat crimes of human trafficking.

This came during a speech he delivered at the Bali Process Government and Business Forum, which was held in Perth, Australia on 24th and 25th of August. The Forum was attended by foreign ministers, representatives of international organisations, business leaders and delegates from member states of the Bali Process.

Ambassador Al Ketbi emphasised the important role played by the private sector as a strategic partner in combating human trafficking. He highlighted the efforts of the UAE's National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and its strategic plan to engage the private sector in combating human trafficking.

He also referred to the UAE's achievements since issuance of Federal Law 51 of November 2006, such as amending legislations to be more consistent with the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol).

Al Ketbi said that since joining the Bali Process in 2013, the UAE signed Memorandums of understanding with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and India. The country has also been active in the Arab initiatives to build capabilities in combating human trafficking.

The UAE has also been engaged in sharing best practices and exchanging expertise through a workshop organised in 2014 with recruitment agencies from the UAE, Europe and Asia, as well as providing support to over 65 agencies and introducing smart systems to detect violations.

He stressed the importance of stepping up cooperation and coordination among all parties involved in combating human trafficking, praising in this context, the efforts being made by the Bali Process.

The UAE delegation to the Forum also included Dr. Saeed al Ghafli, Assistant Under-secretary of the Ministry of FNC Affairs and Mansour Al Juwaied, from