Kuwait leads charge against human trafficking

24/04/2025

Kuwait leads charge against human trafficking

Kuwait’s Minister of Justice, Nasser Al-Sumait

KUWAIT CITY, April 24: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait has affirmed the importance of the Sixth Government Forum to Combat Human Trafficking in the Middle East in 2025, with the theme “Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice in Combating Trafficking in Persons.” In his opening remarks at the forum, Al-Sumait pointed out that Kuwait’s hosting of this forum is an extension of its consistent approach to protecting rights, promoting justice, and improving measures; particularly in areas related to human dignity and labor rights. He stressed that this is a vital regional forum for exchanging experiences and strengthening collective efforts. He said the forum reflects the shared commitment to combating one of the most dangerous forms of organized crime that poses a challenge to criminal justice systems. He praised the pioneering role played by the brotherly Sultanate of Oman in organizing the previous edition of the forum and its efforts to follow up the outcomes, specifically the recommendations that led to the adoption of best practices.

He commended the commitment of the State of Kuwait to join the international community in promoting human rights and sustainable development goals, asserting that this is part of the development plan of the country (Kuwait 2035). He called for a regional initiative to integrate national strategies through a unified digital platform -- managed by the Secretariat General of the forum -- for the exchange of information and experience; strengthen legislative, judicial and executive cooperation; and create broader avenues and a common ground for sharing ideas, visions and challenges. He said the forum is important, considering the current turbulent world, some parts of which are torn apart by wars.

“This creates a fertile environment for the proliferation of human trafficking and migrant smuggling; hence, the need for unifying efforts and strengthening cooperation to address the causes of the escalation of this crime in region,” he added. He hopes that the forum will conclude with the presentation of valuable and plausible recommendations. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Al-Budaiwi disclosed that “since its inception, the forum has contributed to the creation of a convergent Gulf vision to combat human trafficking. This distinct vision is based on the economic and geographical specificities of GCC states and the challenges they face in light of the evolving tools and methods used in committing this crime, particularly those related to the use of modern technology and transnational organized crime networks.”

He stressed the need to review the collective efforts and achievements of the GCC countries in combating human trafficking. He then revealed that the achievements include the decision of the Supreme Council of the GCC during its 27th session in 2006 to adopt the Abu Dhabi Document on the Unified Law to Combat Trafficking in Persons for the GCC States. He explained “this law aims to prevent and end the abuse of human beings in any form. The document includes the GCC countries’ ratification of the Palermo Protocol against Trafficking in Persons, which is a solid and fundamental international legal and legislative framework for combating human trafficking. All Gulf countries have issued national laws criminalizing this act. It establishes clear mechanisms to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators, specialized national mechanisms, national committees and bodies, and the provision of shelters, hotlines and national referral systems to deal with potential victims; as well as the training of security and judicial personnel, and the adoption of regulatory reforms in the labor market by developing legislation regulating migrant labor. This is in addition to regulating the relationship between workers and employers, strengthening wage protection systems, and documenting contracts in a bid to reduce exploitation in the workplace.”

He added that another objective is to strengthen regional and international cooperation with organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and International Labor Organization (ILO) to implement joint prevention and awareness programs. He cited Resolution No. 8-1 issued at the 10th meeting of the GCC Labor Ministers Committee, which mandated the Executive Office of the Council of Labor Ministers and the Council of Social Affairs Ministers of the GCC states to update the joint Gulf vision to combat forced labor and human trafficking. He disclosed “this will be done in coordination with a team of experts in the field of labor and international relations, and guided by pioneering initiatives and successful international and regional practices.”

He stated that in confirmation of this direction, the Executive Office is organizing a dialogue on the sidelines of the forum to begin the first phase of updating this vision, which is expected to constitute an integrated Gulf strategic framework that responds to the challenges of reality, keeps pace with transformations in the labor market and related technologies, and enhances protection and prevention against this crime. He reaffirmed the GCC countries’ commitment to combat trafficking in persons, develop legislative and regulatory frameworks, and strengthen regional and international cooperation to ensure the protection of victims, the prosecution of perpetrators, and the consolidation of the values of justice and human rights in societies. He pointed out this stems from their firm belief that cooperation and the exchange of expertise are the most effective means of combating this crossborder crime. He called for working together for a future free of exploitation and human trafficking. Other speakers at the forum include ministers and heads of national committees for combating human trafficking in GCC countries; such as Minister of Labor in the State of Qatar Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking in Oman Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Harthy, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking in the United Arab Emirates Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, undersecretaries of ministries in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking in the Arab Republic of Egypt Ambassador Naila Jabr. The forum included a panel discussion on “Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice in Combating Human Trafficking,” and a Gulf working session on the updated Gulf strategy to combat human trafficking in the labor market.

By Inaas Awadh Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff