UAE Launches AI System to Combat Human Trafficking
The United Arab Emirates has announced the launch of a new Smart National Referral Mechanism System to support victims of human trafficking. The announcement was made by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) on July 30. The date also marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The NCCHT also revealed the launch of its official website. Both initiatives were introduced during an official ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The event was held under the patronage of Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the NCCHT.
The minister was present at the event along with members of the Committee, representatives of diplomatic missions, and senior officials from the Ministry of Justice.
In his keynote address, the minister emphasized that the UAE continues to prioritize the fight against human trafficking. He noted that the UAE's approach is guided by a humanitarian vision and its commitments to international conventions.
The UAE became a party to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2006. The protocol supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Since then, the country has introduced a national anti-trafficking law and developed a strategy to address the issue.
During the ceremony, the minister also announced the National Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan 2025–2027. The plan is based on an integrated strategy that aims to: Eliminate the root causes of human trafficking
Pursue and prosecute perpetrators
Strengthen protection and rehabilitation services for victims
The new Smart National Referral Mechanism System is part of this strategy. It is the first of its kind in the region and uses artificial intelligence to support coordination between entities.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the system creates a digital profile for each victim once a case is reported. It automates data entry and routes the case to the relevant authorities for action. This includes sheltering, investigation, and legal procedures.
The system also includes: Geolocation tracking to identify the location of victims
Real-time data sharing between government entities
Complete documentation of all case-handling steps
Officials reported that the system connects more than 11 national entities through a unified digital platform. It is also aligned with the UAE Government's Zero Bureaucracy Program.
The aim is to streamline protection procedures and accelerate the referral process for victims of human trafficking.
The NCCHT noted that the system and the new national plan are part of the UAE's broader effort to combat human trafficking through technology, data, and international cooperation.
Hashtags
- #SmartNationalReferralMechanismSystem#WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons#UNProtocoltoPrevent#SuppressandPunishTraffickinginPersons#UnitedNationsConventionagainstTransnationalOrganisedCrime#NationalAnti-HumanTraffickingActionPlan#NCCHT#MinistryofJustice#NationalCommitteetoCombatHumanTrafficking#AbdullahSultanbinAwadAlNuaimi
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
02-08-2025
- Gulf Today
UN praises UAE's efforts in combating human trafficking
A UN official commended the United Arab Emirates for its remarkable efforts in combating trafficking in persons. ''The UAE has made significant progress in combating this crime, actively collaborating with the international community. It has ratified vital international agreements, including the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols – especially the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, particularly Women and Children, adopted in 2000,'' Dr. Mohannad Fayez Salim Aldweikat, Regional Coordinator for Human Trafficking Programmes at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the GCC Region, told a seminar organised by Dubai Police to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30th July in cooperation with the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee at the Ministry of Interior. Moreover, Dr Fayez said, the UAE has enacted national legislation specifically targeting human trafficking, ensuring compliance with these protocols, protecting victims' rights, enforcing stringent penalties, and promoting national and regional cooperation for effective prevention. The seminar, themed 'Together Against Human Trafficking: Strict Legislation, Smart Technologies, and a Safe Work Environment Free from Exploitation,' highlighted the UAE's robust laws that impose severe penalties for trafficking offences. It also examined how artificial intelligence and big data can aid authorities in identifying perpetrators and recognising patterns related to this cross-border crime, as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to protect domestic workers from exploitation. Dr. Aldweikat added: 'We have partnered with the Human Rights Department of Dubai Police to develop a specialised diploma in combating human trafficking, resulting in the graduation of over 754 participants from across the Arab world. Additionally, we prepared top graduates through train-the-trainer courses, allowing them to lead regional training initiatives as national and regional experts for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Together, we have organised targeted training programmes for all sectors.' He emphasised, 'I want to highlight that, in addition to establishing robust institutional and legislative frameworks, we greatly appreciate the UAE's focus on practical solutions to this pressing issue. This is exemplified by forming the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, implementing a comprehensive national strategy, and your ongoing commitment to strengthening the rule of law. This includes establishing specialized courts, public prosecution units, police task forces, and trained labour inspectors.' Dr. Aldweikat concluded, 'We must also acknowledge your belief that victims are at the heart of migration challenges and your dedicated efforts to create shelters across all emirates for their protection. Skilled and experienced professionals manage these shelters, and we have had the privilege of training some of them in alignment with human rights standards and United Nations criteria.' The event, held in the Dubai Police Officers Club, commenced with remarks from Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad, Acting Assistant Commandant for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai Police. In his opening remarks, Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad stated, 'Human trafficking is one of the most pressing crimes threatening our societies, infringing fundamental human, religious, and ethical values. Tackling this issue necessitates a united effort from all of us – both institutions and individuals – especially in light of the challenges posed by modern technologies and transnational organised crime.' He continued, 'We, Dubai Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC Region, are dedicated to implementing concerted and impactful initiatives at all levels. We aim to ensure that our nation remains a safe oasis where everyone enjoys their legally guaranteed rights, positioning the UAE as a model for the region and the world in this vital area.' Dr. Murad added, 'Those who observe the state's efforts to combat human trafficking will recognise the seriousness of the measures being implemented at all levels. This reflects a strong commitment to upholding human rights. The state has prioritised this issue, which is evident in its pioneering legislation, institutional initiatives, and international partnerships.' WAM
Al Etihad
01-08-2025
- Al Etihad
UAE made significant progress in combating trafficking in persons: UN official
2 Aug 2025 00:19 DUBAI (WAM)A UN official commended the United Arab Emirates for its remarkable efforts in combating trafficking in persons."The UAE has made significant progress in combating this crime, actively collaborating with the international community. It has ratified vital international agreements, including the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols — especially the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, particularly Women and Children, adopted in 2000,'' Dr. Mohannad Fayez Salim Aldweikat, Regional Coordinator for Human Trafficking Programmes at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the GCC Region, told a seminar organised by Dubai Police to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, in cooperation with the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).Moreover, he said, the UAE has enacted national legislation specifically targeting human trafficking, ensuring compliance with these protocols, protecting victims' rights, enforcing stringent penalties, and promoting national and regional cooperation for effective seminar, themed "Together Against Human Trafficking: Strict Legislation, Smart Technologies, and a Safe Work Environment Free from Exploitation," highlighted the UAE's robust laws that impose severe penalties for trafficking offenses. It also examined how artificial intelligence and big data can aid authorities in identifying perpetrators and recognising patterns related to this cross-border crime, as well as the efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to protect domestic workers from Aldweikat added: 'We have partnered with the Human Rights Department of Dubai Police to develop a specialised diploma in combating human trafficking, resulting in the graduation of over 754 participants from across the Arab world. Additionally, we prepared top graduates through train-the-trainer courses, allowing them to lead regional training initiatives as national and regional experts for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Together, we have organized targeted training programmes for all sectors.'He emphasised, "I want to highlight that, in addition to establishing robust institutional and legislative frameworks, we greatly appreciate the UAE's focus on practical solutions to this pressing issue. This is exemplified by forming the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, implementing a comprehensive national strategy, and your ongoing commitment to strengthening the rule of law. This includes establishing specialised courts, public prosecution units, police task forces, and trained labour inspectors.'Dr. Aldweikat concluded, 'We must also acknowledge your belief that victims are at the heart of migration challenges and your dedicated efforts to create shelters across all emirates for their protection. Skilled and experienced professionals manage these shelters, and we have had the privilege of training some of them in alignment with human rights standards and United Nations criteria.'The event, held in the Dubai Police Officers Club, was commenced with remarks from Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad, Acting Assistant Commandant for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai his opening remarks, Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad stated, 'Human trafficking is one of the most pressing crimes threatening our societies, infringing fundamental human, religious, and ethical values. Tackling this issue necessitates a united effort from all of us—both institutions and individuals—especially in light of the challenges posed by modern technologies and transnational organised crime."He continued, 'We, Dubai Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC Region, are dedicated to implementing concerted and impactful initiatives at all levels. We aim to ensure that our nation remains a safe oasis where everyone enjoys their legally guaranteed rights, positioning the UAE as a model for the region and the world in this vital area.'Dr. Murad added, 'Those who observe the state's efforts to combat human trafficking will recognise the seriousness of the measures being implemented at all levels. This reflects a strong commitment to upholding human rights. The state has prioritised this issue, which is evident in its pioneering legislation, institutional initiatives, and international partnerships. The establishment of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and the introduction of Law No. 24 in 2023 to address this crime further underscore its alignment with international standards.' He indicated, "Recognising that most victims of this crime are women and children, Dubai Police has made it a priority to establish support mechanisms that safeguard the privacy of these groups. Adopting a proactive approach, the Force launched the 'Victim Support' Service within their smart application, specifically tailored for victims of human trafficking. This service is an effective tool, enabling victims to quickly and safely access comprehensive support—whether legal, psychological, or social—thereby enhancing the protection of their rights and ensuring a dignified response that reflects our shared human values."
Gulf Today
31-07-2025
- Gulf Today
KSQF steps up international action to safeguard children
On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked annually on July 30, the global community is once again confronted with a deeply uncomfortable truth: children are among the most exploited, most vulnerable, and least protected populations in the world. Child exploitation and human trafficking have surged post-pandemic, with a 31% rise in detected child trafficking victims. Meanwhile, nearly 138 million children remain trapped in child labour globally, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF — a slight decline from previous estimates of 160 million, but still alarmingly high. These figures not only underscore the scale of the crisis but also illustrate the cyclical nature of harm, where each crisis further entrenches children in a system of exploitation and abuse. As governments, NGOs, and advocacy groups spotlight the growing threats of exploitation, one organisation is pushing the conversation beyond awareness and toward urgent, systemic action. The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF), based in Sharjah, is implementing a proactive strategy to protect children by rewiring the structures that allow abuse, trafficking, and injustice to persist. KSQF recognises that today's crises are interconnected; displacement caused by climate disasters leads to school dropouts, heightening children's exposure to trafficking, and conflict and poverty push children into labour and criminal networks. Gender inequality multiplies these risks; especially for girls subjected to sexual exploitation and boys forced into armed groups or illicit work. The Foundation recognises that no single issue can be solved in isolation, and that meaningful protection requires a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. Committed to the protection of children as its core mandate and overarching objective, KSQF's efforts also directly align with three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 16.2, which calls for ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children; SDG 5.3, which seeks to eliminate child, early, and forced marriage practices as well as female genital mutilation; and SDG 8.7, dedicated to eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour in all its forms. 'Protection is no longer just about rescue—it's about structural prevention,' says Lujan Mourad, Director of KSQF. 'The Foundation is implementing a comprehensive strategy encompassing three main pillars of advocacy programmes, safeguarding initiatives and capacity building. This involves prevention, specifically community awareness and development programmes; support, focusing on caring for and safeguarding children in need; and partnerships, building a global network of collaborations.' At the heart of this vision is the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Foundation, and one of the region's foremost advocates for children's rights and global humanitarian development. Her Highness's commitment to the dignity and safety of children transcends borders, backgrounds, and bureaucracies. She has instilled in KSQF a bold humanitarian philosophy: that child protection is not an act of charity, but a duty of justice. Her leadership has steered the Foundation towards long-term, sustainable action that addresses the root causes of vulnerability and amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. KSQF recently launched its first global initiatives aimed at protecting over 30,000 vulnerable children and their communities in Zanzibar and Mexico. In partnership with Save the Children International and Plan International, these projects tackle urgent issues like gender-based violence, child exploitation, and the hazards faced by migrant children. In Zanzibar, KSQF is expanding support services for survivors of violence, directly benefiting 1,000 individuals and reaching another 10,000 through community outreach. In Mexico, the 'Guardians of Children' project will provide essential aid and protection to 7,000 migrant children and adolescents, while indirectly supporting more than 15,000 people through awareness campaigns and community capacity building.
