Dubai: His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice of the United Arab Emirates, inaugurated the ninth edition of the Specialist Diploma Programme in Combating Human Trafficking. This significant event is organised by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking Crimes and the Dubai Police in collaboration with the Dubai Judicial Institute and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The virtual launch was attended by dignitaries, including Engineer Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice; Major General Dr Abdul Qudos Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai Police; Judge Hatem Ali, Director of the UNODC; Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mar, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police; Brigadier Dr. Sultan Al Jamal, Director of the Dubai Police Academy and Director of the Human Trafficking Monitoring Centre; and Brigadier Ahmad Muhammad Mardas, Deputy Director of the General Department of Training.

In his keynote address, H.E Al Nuaimi extended his warm greetings to all attendees, highlighting participants from national institutions, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, brotherly Arab countries, and international organisations. He expressed his pleasure to be part of the ninth edition of the programme, emphasising its crucial role in strengthening international cooperation in the region.

"Since its beginning in 2015, the programme has witnessed nearly 500 participants, with 146 participants this year alone from various countries and international organisations. Human trafficking is among the most heinous cross-border crimes, and it's our collective responsibility to keep evolving our capabilities to combat it effectively," said H.E Al Nuaimi. 

He further added, "Continuous national efforts in tackling human trafficking, synchronised with regional and global endeavours, form the bedrock to ensure protection for victims and justice against perpetrators. The collaborative participation of GCC and fellow Arab nations with our national entities enriches the exchange of expertise and knowledge."

 H.E Al Nuaimi further extended his profound gratitude to the Dubai Police General Command and the UNODC for their exemplary efforts in making this programme a success. He also wished participants continued success and prosperity in their endeavours.

International Reach 

In his opening remarks, Judge Hatem Ali stated, "It is an honour for me, on behalf of myself and the team from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which represents the UN Secretariat for Crime Combating Agreements, especially the protocol related to the suppression, prevention, and punishment of trafficking in persons, to convey the greetings and appreciation of Dr Ghada Waly, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of the organisation. She appreciates our fruitful efforts and successful partnership with the United Arab Emirates over the past decade in developing national systems and building and enhancing regional capabilities to face this challenge that threatens our societies and countries."

Judge Hatem added, "We started modest steps with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and the Dubai Police General Command, in collaboration with the Dubai Judicial Institute, to establish the first specialised diploma adopting the United Nations methodologies and strategies in the field of combating human trafficking and capacity building for institutions. We started on a national level, then regionally, and today, in our ninth year, we celebrate our international reach with the participation of Mexico."

He continued, "We thank all participating countries for their interest and for sending their delegates to benefit from this momentum. I reiterate my gratitude and appreciation to our key partner, the United Arab Emirates, its National Committee, His Excellency the Minister of Justice, the President of the Committee, the Dubai Police General Command, and our esteemed colleagues from all entities, for their efforts that not only benefited participants from the region but also countries worldwide. "

Training and Qualification

Major General Dr Abdul Qudos Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly,, Assistant Commandant for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs at Dubai Police emphasised that this programme, endorsed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. It aims to prepare a qualified elite in all relevant departments and institutions to deal efficiently and professionally with everything classified under "human trafficking."

Major General Al Obaidly added, "Human trafficking is a transnational crime where human rights are violated, and the dignity of the victims is tarnished. It can only be tackled with the combined efforts of the entire community. At Dubai Police, in collaboration with our partners represented by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, the Dubai Judicial Institute, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, we have achieved many of the goals and objectives we set for ourselves. Our main focus in achieving our goals has been to update methods of qualification and training. Training is the cornerstone and foundation of any professional work. It is a tool and means of development. If used and employed optimally, the desired objectives can only be achieved by elevating human resources and preparing them to perform their roles and tasks efficiently".

Major General Al Obaidly added, "This year, we are celebrating the joining of our brothers and sisters from the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Arab countries. For the first time, we are honoured to host members from the Republic of Iraq, the Comoros Islands, and Mexico."

Major General Al Obaidly explained that Dubai Police has not only provided the 901 hotline, through which victims can submit complaints and reports about labour issues and human trafficking, but they have also included this service in the Dubai Police smart app.

He also revealed that Dubai Police, in line with government directives and global technological advancements, have provided these services at the fully automated Smart Police Stations (SPS) to ensure all services are available conveniently for all members of society. 

The training programme grants a specialised diploma in combating human trafficking, giving trainees a specialist degree in this area. It equips them with the tools, skills, and scientific knowledge necessary to combat human trafficking based on a scientifically designed curriculum that addresses the legal, humanitarian, and international aspects of human trafficking.

This year, the diploma programme has 146 participants representing 47 entities in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, and Mexico.