Plea to set up special police unit to combat human trafficking

To discuss a better mechanism to protect victims and effectively deal with the international phenomenon, the two-day symposium was held with the participation of officials from the Ministry of Interior and police, under the patronage of Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

The participants also proposed that human rights units be introduced at the police departments, equipped with qualified and well-trained female cadres.

"It is urgent to plug the loopholes in the penal codes, legislation and administrative regulations that assist in reducing different forms of human trafficking crimes," proposed the participants.

In a bid to prevent these inhuman crimes and curb the factors related to them, the participants highlighted that public awareness about the Islamic and social values should be increased and properly instilled in the society.

They also recommended coordination of efforts exerted by religious, social and media institutions to fight human trafficking, so as to come up with policies to protect vulnerable categories against such crime, and raise their awareness on the gravity of trafficking in people.

Setting up of a special information unit, linked with the international police organisation (Interpol) to monitor recent methods followed in human trafficking, was also proposed.

To enhance the efficiency of security forces, participants recommend that police personnel should be well trained on skills in detecting and tracing those involved in human trafficking, and the use of modern technology in this field.

Stressing on the importance of scientific research in combating the global phenomenon, the participants agreed that research on human trafficking should be conducted on a regular basis.