Qatar University (QU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking (QFCHT) on Sunday to establish legal clinics to combat human trafficking in Qatar. The two parties will co-ordinate and strengthen their existing co-operation through the exchange of information and experiences in their individual scope of competence, workshops, seminars, and other symposia, and in training students to provide legal assistance to victims of human trafficking.The MoU was signed by College of Law (LAWC) Dean Dr Hassan Okour and of QFCHT Board member Judge Hessa al-Sulaiti in the presence of LAWC faculty members and students. The MoU is in line with the objectives expressed in the Arab Initiative for Building National Capacities for Combating Human Trafficking, launched during the Doha Foundation Forum 2010. The initiative called for the establishment of specialist legal clinics to receive and guide victims of trafficking to seek legal redress against their perpetrators, and to re-build their lives. It also recommended that academic institutions and research centres play a leading role in developing curricula and research studies related to addressing the issue of human trafficking. “Our students will benefit immensely from this collaboration with QFCHT as it will further strengthen their commitment to serving their community and bringing about change on such issues as human trafficking by defending those who cannot speak for themselves,” Dr Okour said. Judge al-Sulaiti concurred, saying “This is not our first collaboration with the college as we worked together in 2008 in organising and holding the first scientific conference. “Today’s collaboration will serve to establish social and legal consulting clinics to combat human trafficking. “This will definitely enable students at the college to gain experience in meeting victims, and writing reports and legal memos. It is a great opportunity for them to acquire invaluable hands-on experience.”