On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30 and themed this year “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that GCC countries place great emphasis on combatting human trafficking, driven by their dedication to upholding the principles of Islam.
These principles, he said, defend human dignity and prohibit and penalize any actions that degrade dignity, restrict freedom, or exploit individuals.
Albudaiwi emphasized that Article 3 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration prohibits slavery, servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking in all forms and manifestations, especially those affecting women and children.
He also said that due to GCC countries’ commitment to combating cross-border crimes and trafficking in persons, and to protecting their territories from such practices, the GCC Supreme Council adopted the Abu Dhabi Document on the Unified Law to Prevent H
uman Trafficking in GCC countries during its 27th session in 2006. This law, he added, aims to prevent and put an end to the exploitation of humans in various forms, including prostitution, sexual assault, forced labor, slavery, organ removal, and trafficking.
Albudaiwi emphasized that international efforts in this regard cannot succeed without coordinated national and regional initiatives, and the adoption of best practices to eliminate human trafficking.
Source: Saudi Press Agency