UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking to expand activities internationally

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and head of the UAE NCCHT.

The meeting discussed the preparations by the UAE for its participation at the UN Vienna Forum on Human Trafficking. A delegation led by Dr Gargash and comprising NCCHT members and government officials actively engaged in initiatives to combat human trafficking, will participate in the Forum to be held from Feb 13 to 15, 2008 in Vienna where the Minister will deliver a keynote speech.

Chairing the meeting, H. E. Dr Gargash said: "The active participation of the UAE in the UN.GIFT - the (Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking) highlights our commitment to combating transnational human trafficking by pursuing a unified approach in line with international efforts and resources. The UAE delegation comprises representatives from NCCHT and government officials who are actively engaged in combating the human trafficking issue. Our international participation will help us expand our activities internationally, which is important to curb the problem at its roots".

He added: "The seventh committee meeting reiterated our four-pronged strategy to combat human trafficking which involves stronger legislations, focused training to law enforcement officials, providing support to the victims and promoting international co-operation".

The NCCHT meeting also evaluated several studies and statistics that were documented by engaged governmental bodies on the issue of human trafficking. The committee looked into the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons that complements the UN Convention against Transnational organizational Crime. The committee concluded by preparing the necessary information and figures for a poll on the national response to the efforts at combating human trafficking and assessing a poll organized by the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
For further information on UN.GIFT and the UAE's participation please visit the website on http://www.ungift.org/