The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking organized a ceremony to mark the 'World Day against Trafficking in Persons', launched by the United Nations to promote international cooperation to eradicate the crime of trafficking.

Speaking in the occasion, H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, asserted the keenness of the committee to be part of the world-wide movement against such activities that negatively impact the society.

The ceremony, which was organized at the Raffles Hotel Dubai, was attended by H.E. Sergei Balujurtsev, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the UAE, Asma Fakhri, project coordinator (Drug Demand Reduction) at United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC countries, and a group of diplomats, representatives of the Republic of Belarus, as well as members of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is a great opportunity for the UAE to reaffirm the nations support to the UNs plans to combat the global menace of human trafficking. This is an occasion to highlight our keen desire to coordinate with the international efforts to raise awareness among all entities concerned on the impacts of trafficking in order to achieve positive results at local, regional and international levels, said H.E. Dr. Gargash.

The organization of activities on this day is the result of international cooperation to contain these crimes through effective solutions and legislation, added H.E. Dr. Gargash.
H.E. Dr. Gargash explained that the UAE plays an important role in the fight against human trafficking and has gained international acclaim in this area by implementing a 5 Ps strategy which comprises Prevention, Prosecution, Punishment, Protection and Promotion of International Cooperation.

The UAE possesses a high level of expertise and efficiency in dealing with human trafficking crimes, and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking is committed to supporting the victims and applying the best practices to reduce these crimes around the world, H.E. Dr. Gargash added.

During the celebration, the representatives of the Republic of Belarus reviewed the preventive measures taken by the UAE government to address human trafficking crimes. The two sides also discussed ways of cooperation in this field through exchange of expertise, research and specialized studies.