Dr. Gargash informed members of the Committee about the UAE Cabinet's recent resolution authorizing the Committee to act as the official authority handling international requests, inquiries and delegations related to trafficking of persons. The Committee will now formulate a joint mechanism to connect the concerned local and federal authorities and receive and process each international request.

As part of its responsibility to promote awareness of the issue and educate the public, the committee discussed a plan for implementing a series of workshops, speaking engagements and other ways of disseminating information to specialists working in the field of law enforcement, health and social services as well as education. The Committee has discussed in detail a proposed training program for police officers and public prosecutors in cooperation with Ministry of Interior on identification of human trafficking violations and treatment of victims.

"Every effort is being undertaken on a federal level to fight this crime, and through this committee we are aiming to organize these efforts under one umbrella and develop an integrated approach," Dr. Gargash said.

During the meeting, members of the Committee praised the recent decision by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to establish a foundation for the protection of women and children in Dubai in his capacity as ruler of the emirate.

The Dubai Women's and Children's Foundation will provide a safe environment, assistance and rehabilitation for women and children who have been at the receiving end of physical and psychological abuse, including human rights abuses such as trafficking.

Dr. Gargash said, "The launch of the new shelter in Dubai is a very important initiative to provide a protection and support system for victims, which is an important component in the comprehensive fight to eliminate these crimes. We cannot ignore the plight of victims while prosecuting the perpetrators."

He added: "We think the shelter is a model that should be followed and will have a positive impact on society by providing emergency care and rehabilitation for women and children." Dr. Gargash stressed, "The way the work is being undertaken by the Committee and the cooperation demonstrated by local and federal authorities demonstrates the united, serious effort by the UAE to protect victims of human trafficking and prevent such crimes from taking place."

During the session, the Committee studied recent cases under trial in several UAE courts and is working together closely with public prosecutors to identify those which fall under the new human trafficking law. (Emirates News Agency, WAM)