Topic:
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Allison Edwards
Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that affects an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide. The United Nations defines human trafficking “as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception, intending to exploit them for profit.” The United Nations has taken steps to prevent and criminalize human trafficking through the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2000. Through the protocol, the United Nations provides guidelines to bring awareness to and prevent the spread of human trafficking. This deeply concerns the United Arab Emirates, and our nation has been a leader in legislation to penalize human trafficking.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognizes the severity of human trafficking within our borders. With a large migrant population, human trafficking is prevalent. The UAE was the first country in the region to enact a thorough law regarding human trafficking. Under Federal Law 51, which was established in 2006, many issues prevalent in the problem of human trafficking are discussed extensively. Firstly, Law 51 defines human trafficking as, “Under this Article, exploitation includes all forms of sexual exploitation, engaging others in prostitution, servitude, forced labor, organ trafficking, coerced service, enslavement, mendicancy, and quasi-slavery practices” (National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking).
Furthermore, if a person is aware of human trafficking and does not alert the authorities, they will receive severe punishment under Law 51. Additionally, the law raises awareness for victims and witnesses of human trafficking and provides necessary resources. Along with legislation, the UAE has a large number of shelters to assist victims of human trafficking. These shelters include the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, the EWAA Shelter for Women and Children, and the Aman Center for Women and Children. These shelters provide a haven for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. In the shelters, victims receive medical care, counseling, and other essential and beneficial resources. Additionally, Dubai police have a hotline that is accessible at all times to report issues regarding human trafficking.
The United Arab Emirates is deeply concerned by the issue of human trafficking but has taken proactive steps to protect victims and enact legislation that penalizes trafficking. The United Arab Emirates encourages other nations to adopt legislation similar to Federal Law 51 and to establish shelters for victims of human trafficking. The UAE is dedicated to curbing the issue of human trafficking and has been a part of many efforts both regionally and internationally to bring awareness to human trafficking. The UAE is looking forward to working with other delegates on this important issue.
