The UAE has seen the first case of exploitation of people of determination involving begging by an Asian national who affected 15 male victims.
Sharjah Prosecution charged the man with human trafficking, in accordance with Federal Law No. (51) of 2006 combating human trafficking crimes, as amended by Federal Law No. (1) of 2015.
The law imposes severe penalties (up to life imprisonment) on human traffickers if such crimes are linked to children or people of determination.
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, praised the efforts exerted by law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation.
He stressed that the UAE will take all necessary measures to protect the victims and provide them with support and rehabilitation services, bringing the perpetrators of this inhumane crime to trial.
Those involved in combating human trafficking crimes are now more experienced in dealing with various facets of human trafficking, he added.
This experience results from the implementation of the strategy of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, based on prevention, prosecution, punishment, protecting victims and enhancing cooperation, in line with the Committee's decision No. 7 of 2010 on regulatory procedures to deal with victims of human trafficking crimes by competent authorities in the country.
In line with its humanitarian policies, the UAE had acceded to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol) in 2009.
The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking will follow the case and provide the needful in terms of support and coordination.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
