Government to rehabilitate special needs trafficking victims

Accused human trafficker allegedly operated in Sharjah and forced 15 males to beg

AUAE court is to prosecute a man accused of coercing people with special needs into begging in what is said to be the first case of its kind. The human trafficker, a citizen from an Asian country, allegedly operated in Sharjah, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

A post on the ministry’s website said the human trafficking case involved 15 male victims, who were coerced into begging in the country.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, praised the efforts made by authorities to uncover the case. He stressed that the UAE will take all necessary measures to protect victims and provide them with support and rehabilitation services and bring the perpetrators of this inhumane crime to trial.

There was no immediate information as to whether the alleged trafficker is a lone individual or part of an extensive criminal network, with the common thread of exploiting people for profit.

Dr Gargash added that those involved in combating human trafficking crimes are now more experienced in dealing with the various facets of human trafficking.

“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,” Dr Gargash said.

The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking is currently closely following the case to provide the needful in terms of support and coordination.