The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) and the Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) specifying higher levels of coordination in the fight against human trafficking.
H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs, and Head of the NCCHT, signed the MoU on behalf of the committee, while Dr. Jamal Alsumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute acted as the Institute’s signatory.
The MoU is in line with joint efforts to raise awareness on human trafficking and its negative impact on society, economic stability, national security, and sustainable development. It seeks to enhance bilateral and international cooperation against such crimes; consolidate efforts to develop relevant laws and legislation; enable the parties concerned to implement protective and preventive measures; and support victims by assisting them in overcoming the psychological, moral, and social effects of their experiences and reintegrating them into society.
The Memorandum covers the preparation and implementation of joint programs and projects, the exchange of relevant information and expertise, and other activities that complement the areas of interest and specialisation of each party. It further stipulates engagement in studies and joint research and the organisation of conferences, seminars, panel sessions, and training and habilitation programs for professionals involved in anti- human trafficking programs in the UAE.
H.E. Dr. Gargash emphasized the importance of unifying efforts to eradicate human trafficking. He added that the MoU is a natural extension of the professional relationship between the committee and DJI. The NCCHT Head also noted that such agreements promote a spirit of teamwork, which he explained is essential to the successful realization of any objective. He affirmed the committee’s eagerness to cooperate more closely with the institute in order to implement the best practices in eliminating the trafficking of persons.
“Our MoU with the committee reaffirms our support for the national strategy for combating human trafficking, which aims to raise community awareness on the devastating effects of such crimes. More specifically, it affirms our support for the full implementation of Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, the first legislation dedicated to combating human trafficking ever formulated in the Arab world,” said Judge Dr. Alsumaiti.
“This agreement is the first in a series of local and international agreements and partnerships we are eyeing this year to further enhance law enforcement mechanisms and promote the best international practices in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015’s emphasis on justice, security and safety. We are certain that this partnership will help enhance communication among concerned bodies, facilitate the efficient and timely exchange of information and expertise, and enhance the capabilities of the security and legal bodies involved in combating human trafficking,” added Dr. Alsumaiti.
“Within the framework of our cooperation with the NCCHT, we will soon launch an awareness campaign that will target diverse segments of our community, including students. We will jointly compile studies and research and hold relevant workshops and training courses throughout the year to enhance the knowledge and law enforcement skills of those involved in eliminating human trafficking. This will help reinforce the role of the UAE as a key contributor to local and international efforts against such crimes. We reaffirm our commitment to intensifying our coordination with legal, indigenous, and social bodies and foundations so that we can implement anti-trafficking strategies on a larger scale,” he concluded.
The Director General of DJI added that the signing of the MoU reflects the Institute’s general strategy for 2010. The Institute’s year-long approach is to focus on establishing local, regional and international partnerships in order to encourage the adoption of the best legal and judicial practices and reinforce the Institute’s position as a regional hub for legal and judicial excellence.
