Abstract: The geo-strategic location
of the GCC States at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, though
advantageous in many ways, exposes them to several disadvantages as well.
These states are particularly vulnerable to organized crime syndicates
that monopolize narcotics and human trafficking operations, the second and
third largest organized crime activities after arms smuggling. The Gulf
States are being used as the main transit zone for Afghan narcotics being
smuggled to the West and are facing an increasing domestic drug abuse
problem. In addition to this, the GCC region is exposed to the growing
threat of human trafficking which affects an estimated 700,000-2,000,000
people per year as they are trafficked across state boundaries. There is a
misconception that human trafficking is restricted to helpless women and
children, but even men are subjected to it. Akin to modern day slavery,
human trafficking also includes forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Existing counter-trafficking measures, both regional and global, have
several shortcomings. In view of the serious security threats posed by
narcotics and human trafficking, the GCC states have taken significant
measures which are expected to act as an effective deterrent. This study
reviews both human and narcotics trafficking in the GCC, and assesses the
measures taken at the state and regional levels. It is imperative for the
leadership in these states to grasp the extent of this crisis and plan for
the negative fallout they are likely to face. The GCC States need to chalk
out a strategy at the regional level to address the resulting security
implications.
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