Abu dhabi: Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, emphasized the UAE's dedication to fighting human trafficking using a comprehensive approach centered on prevention, protection, prosecution, and international collaboration.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Nuaimi, in a statement for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, highlighted that the UAE's foundation on justice, humanity, and human rights makes protecting human dignity a key aspect of its development. He reiterated the UAE's pledge to eradicate organized crime threatening individual safety, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and coordinated national efforts in combating human trafficking and safeguarding victims.
Al Nuaimi explained that the UAE recognized the severity and complexity of human trafficking early on, adopting a strategy focused on prevention, protection, punishment, and prosecution. This strategy also involves enhancing international cooperation and adapting to changing criminal methods. He noted the establishment of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in 2007 to coordinate and strengthen cooperation among relevant authorities.
Highlighting the overlap between human trafficking and other organized crimes like cybercrime and financial fraud, Al Nuaimi stressed the need to expand national partnerships. He mentioned that several new members joined the Committee this year, bringing the total to 23 entities, including government institutions, public prosecutions, and civil society organizations, to enable a comprehensive national prevention approach.
The UAE continues to bolster its legislative framework in line with evolving criminal trends and international obligations. It enacted Federal Law No. (51) of 2006 on Combating Human Trafficking Crimes, one of the region's first specialized laws, updated by Federal Decree-Law No. (24) of 2023. Additionally, the UAE issued Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes, regularly reviewing legislation to protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure swift justice.
The UAE has also strengthened its criminal justice system by establishing specialized judicial circuits for human trafficking cases, enabling faster resolutions and developing judicial expertise for better victim protection. Al Nuaimi noted the importance of positioning victims at the center of efforts and leveraging modern technologies through the National Committee's Smart Referral System (SRS), a digital platform supporting victims by uniting relevant entities for rapid care provision and enhanced coordination.
The system employs data technologies and artificial intelligence to monitor criminal patterns and support policies and preventive measures. Al Nuaimi called on the international community to strengthen cooperation and share expertise to improve responses and protect individuals from exploitation and related crimes.