The Government Forum to Combat Human Trafficking in the Middle East kicked off on Tuesday under the title 'Combating Trafficking in Persons in Seasons of Tourism and Sports as an Example', under the auspices of HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Labour represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, in co-ordination with the Permanent General Secretariat of the Governmental Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East, will discuss challenges, developments and the latest developments in combating human trafficking in Middle Eastern countries, in addition to exchanging experiences and best practices, and how to enhance and develop capabilities.
Ministers and heads of competent bodies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, the US, the UK and the Office of UN on Drugs and Crime are participating in the forum. HE the Minister of Labour and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri emphasised that Qatar, through its hosting of the World Cup, has exemplified a commitment to upholding human rights and addressing human trafficking concerns associated with significant sports events.
He said that Qatar has implemented the highest international standards, further solidifying its position as a top-tier tourist destination for organising major international sporting events. During his speech at the opening of the forum, HE Dr al-Marri explained that the tourist seasons and hosting international sporting events increase the challenges related to combating human trafficking and respecting human rights, noting that the efforts of the sustainable growth team and decent work in the hospitality sector contributed to reducing the risks of human trafficking in co-ordination with similar efforts at the level countries and other sectors.
The minister emphasised that human trafficking has evolved into a widespread global issue, endangering societies and presenting a significant challenge to the collective efforts of the international community in striving for progress and prosperity for all nations. He explained that Qatar has made tangible efforts to combat the phenomenon of human trafficking in compliance with international law, and to enhance co-operation in facing common challenges, noting Qatar's support for the UN Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and the effective response to combat human trafficking by establishing the national legal and institutional framework and supporting all national efforts as well as the international ones.
He pointed out that the comprehensive reforms of the labour sector during the recent period aim to strengthen the legislative framework in order to address the structural causes leading to the phenomenon of human trafficking, especially by abolishing the kafala system completely, canceling the exit permit, facilitating the movement of workers and their transfer in the labour market, and setting a minimum limit of discriminatory wages for workers and domestic workers, as well as promoting social dialogue and effective remedies.
In her turn, President of the Human Rights Commission, and Chair of the Committee to Combat Human Trafficking in Saudi Arabia, Dr Hala bint Mazyad al-Tuwaijri, called for the preparation of a unified regional vision for the exploitation of tourism in crimes of human trafficking and the development of appropriate mechanisms to combat it in co-operation with international organisations.
For his part, UAE Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking Crimes Abdullah bin Sultan al-Nuaimi stressed that human trafficking is an issue of international concern, as reports of international organisations indicate that this serious type of organised crime threatens about 25mn people worldwide, pointing out that international reports confirm that the largest percentage of victims of human trafficking are those looking for temporary migration opportunities for the purpose of working with the aim of creating a better future and life for themselves and their families.
He added: "I can only praise the great success achieved by the brothers in Qatar during their hosting of the FIFA World Cup at the end of last year, and I also take this opportunity to congratulate them on choosing Qatar to host the Basketball World Cup in 2027, and I am confident that the sister country of Qatar It will once again dazzle the world by offering a premium sports experience."
Kuwait's Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Dr Amer bin Muhammad Ali Muhammad, indicated that the phenomenon of trafficking in persons has become one of concern to countries, as it affects the lives of individuals and peoples, and is also becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, indicating that the countries of the world have begun to confront this criminal phenomenon by resorting to the ratification of agreements designated to combat crime in some of its common forms, with the aim of reducing effects on the domestic and international levels.
Sherine al-Saati, representative of the Permanent General Secretariat of the Government Forum, stated that the fourth session of the forum is being held at a time when we need to further strengthen partnerships and build bridges at the national and international levels to combat trafficking in persons, noting the need to address through pillars that include legal frameworks, prevention, prevention, prosecution and protection. and help the victims.
For his part, Dr Hatem Ali, Regional Representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC states, stressed the importance of the forum, as it is a platform for exchanging expertise, experiences, policies and strategies developed by member states in facing the challenge targeting the countries of the region. Iman Erekat, Head of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration in Qatar, affirmed that Qatar provided a positive and encouraging model in combating human trafficking and made steady strides in this field.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the US embassy, Natalie Baker, appreciated the efforts made by Qatar during its hosting of the World Cup in combating human trafficking, praising the reforms it introduced in the work system and combating human trafficking. She emphasised that the concerned departments in the US are looking forward to increasing communication with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking to combat this crime, stressing the role of law enforcement and judicial authorities in applying laws to get rid of them.
The Envoy for Migration and Modern Slavery at the Office of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development in the United Kingdom, Stephen Malby, lauded the efforts made by the Qatari government in combating the crime of human trafficking through the reforms and legislation it introduced in the work environment, stressing his country's commitment to partnership with the State of Qatar to combat this crime.