KUWAIT CITY, April 13: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice, Nasser Al-Sumait, announced that the country is preparing to host the 6th session of the Government Forum on Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East on April 24. The event will be held under the theme "Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice in Combating Trafficking in Persons."

Minister Al-Sumait, who also chairs the Permanent National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, stated on Sunday that Kuwait’s hosting of the forum aligns with its unwavering commitment to protecting human rights and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He noted that this initiative reflects Kuwait’s continuous national efforts on two parallel tracks — legislative and executive. Kuwait has made significant strides in enhancing its legal framework to combat trafficking in persons, and has implemented robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that relevant laws are effectively applied in line with its international obligations and in full respect of global human rights standards.

Al-Sumait emphasized that the forum serves as a high-level regional platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices among governments, regional and international organizations. Its objective is to strengthen cooperation and align strategies to combat human trafficking, which is categorized by international conventions as a form of transnational organized crime.

The forum will focus on improving national and regional responses to human trafficking by emphasizing victim protection, developing early detection systems, strengthening referral processes, and providing comprehensive support for victims.

Key topics on the forum’s agenda include enhancing regional and international partnerships, building institutional capacity, enabling victims to access justice and receive full protection, tackling emerging challenges, and reviewing early intervention strategies to address this serious crime.

Minister Al-Sumait reaffirmed that Kuwait’s hosting of this forum reflects the country's broader vision to promote justice and uphold human dignity. He expressed hope that the forum would produce impactful outcomes and recommendations that reinforce regional cooperation and contribute to the unification of international efforts in combating human trafficking.

The organization of this forum by the Ministry of Justice is part of a broader national initiative led by the Permanent National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, established in 2018 under the directives of the Council of Ministers. The committee comprises key national entities, including the Public Prosecution, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, and Health, as well as the Public Authority for Manpower.

The upcoming forum will welcome the heads of anti-human trafficking committees from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S. State Department. Regional and international organizations, as well as diplomatic mission leaders, are also expected to participate.