Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has issued a resolution establishing a court in Abu Dhabi to deal with cases of human trafficking.
The resolution, issued by Sheikh Mansour in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, makes it clear that the court will have "jurisdiction over all human trafficking cases arising within the emirate of Abu Dhabi", state news agency Wam reported.
The move to establish the court was made as part of "ongoing efforts to strengthen a specialised judicial system and provide the highest standards of justice in a timely manner". It also marks a "significant step in enhancing legal protection mechanisms and safeguarding human dignity and rights".
All courts currently hearing human trafficking cases will be required to refer them to the new court unless pleadings have been closed. The human trafficking court will work under the framework of a "specialised public prosecution responsible for investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes, and extends to Courts of First Instance and Courts of Appeal with jurisdiction over such crimes".
The introduction of the dedicated court is the latest step in a long-term drive by the UAE government to combat human trafficking and protect innocent victims.
In January, the UAE ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, becoming the 63rd country worldwide and the second in the Gulf to do so.
The protocol compels member states to take measures to address forced labour, including human trafficking, and ensure tough penalties are imposed on perpetrators while broadening access to justice for victims.
The Emirates has introduced legislation over the years to combat all forms of human trafficking, which include sexual exploitation and forced labour.
The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking was established in 2007 to support these efforts.
Dubai Police set up its Human Trafficking Crimes Control Centre to close the net on offenders and bolster support networks.
