Human Trafficking - Overview
Human trafficking remains a serious global problem, with estimates that more than 2.5 million people are trafficked across borders each year for work.
The majority of the workers are women and children who are often coerced or forced into hazardous or degrading forms of labor.
Dubai, one of seven emirates in the UAE, has taken a leadership role in the global campaign against human trafficking. The United Arab Emirates enacted the strongest anti-trafficking law in the region in December 2006. Federal Law 51 spells out stiff penalties against traffickers ranging from one year to life in prison and fines of 20,000 to 1 million dirhams. It is especially tough on organized criminal gangs that carry out trafficking and has stepped up efforts to dismantle prostitution rings that operate in the country.
In April 2007, the UAE Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, which coordinates the effort. At least 10 human trafficking cases were brought in 2007, with three convictions in five of the cases. Jail terms ranging from three to 10 years were imposed on the violators.
Enforcement also includes an electronic wage payment system, contracts to regulate the rights of domestic workers, and the creation of special labor courts to expedite cases.
Victims of trafficking are being aided by a variety of health and welfare programs. A shelter for abused women and children opened in Abu Dhabi in January 2008.
In May 2007, the UAE ratified the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. Dubai also held a conference on human trafficking in Dubai in December 2007 and sponsored the UN’s Vienna forum on human trafficking in February 2008.
