Dubai: The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has strengthened its national efforts to combat human trafficking by implementing a series of awareness initiatives and community partnerships in conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The initiatives aim to raise awareness of the risks associated with this crime, educate the public on prevention measures, and highlight the UAE's integrated system of protection and care for victims, as part of the country's strategy of protecting human dignity, promoting shared community responsibility, and reinforcing coordinated national efforts to combat human trafficking.

Her Excellency Sheikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of DFWAC, affirmed that awareness is the first line of defense against human trafficking, and that building a well-informed community capable of identifying the indicators of this crime and reporting suspected cases is essential to strengthening prevention efforts and protecting the most vulnerable groups from exploitation.

She added that DFWAC continues, in collaboration with its partners, to implement impactful initiatives and awareness programs that help foster a culture of shared community responsibility and raise public awareness of national services and how to access them. These efforts support the UAE's strategy of building an integrated system to combat human trafficking focused on prevention, protection, care, and empowerment, reflecting its unwavering commitment to safeguarding human dignity and protecting human rights.

As part of its efforts, DFWAC in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, recently organized a virtual lecture titled "Raising Awareness for the Most Vulnerable Groups of Human Trafficking”, delivered by psychologist Anita Sunil. The lecture explored the concept of human trafficking, its various forms, suspected signs of trafficking, and the most vulnerable groups of exploitation. It also highlighted victims’ rights, reporting mechanisms, and the UAE's national protection, care, and rehabilitation services, enhancing the ability of participants to identify the crime and respond to it through the appropriate official channels.

DFWAC has also implemented the "We Pledge for You" initiative in collaboration with EFS Facilities, reaching approximately 390 female workers. As part of the initiative, multilingual awareness materials were distributed, providing information on the concept of human trafficking, the various forms of exploitation, key indicators of suspected trafficking cases, and prevention measures. The initiative also highlighted the official support entities and assistance channels available in the UAE, helping extend awareness messages to those most vulnerable to exploitation, while empowering them to understand their rights and access the services available to them.

Moreover, the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children, in collaboration with the Family Care Authority in Abu Dhabi and the Aman Shelter for Women and Children in Ras Al Khaimah, launched the national guide, "National Services That Protect Human Dignity and Provide Safety". The guide serves as a comprehensive awareness resource, providing information on the crime of human trafficking and its various forms, key indicators of suspected human trafficking cases, prevention measures, and reporting mechanisms. It also outlines the UAE's integrated system of national services for victims of human trafficking, ranging from safe shelter and healthcare to psychological and social support, legal assistance, rehabilitation and empowerment programs, and ultimately community reintegration.

The guide also includes the contact numbers of the competent authorities responsible for receiving reports and providing support. These include the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children's hotline (800111), the Aman Shelter for Women and Children (80089999), and the Family Care Authority (800444), facilitating access to services and ensuring a timely response for individuals in need of protection and care.

DFWAC also extended its efforts to digital platforms by participating in the awareness campaign launched by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking. Through its digital channels, DFWAC republished awareness messages and educational materials to expand their reach across various segments of the community, raise awareness of the risks of human trafficking, promote a culture of early reporting, and increase public awareness of the national services