Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 31: In a pioneering move that reflects the United Arab Emirates' unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and upholding human rights, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) has announced the launch of its new official website, along with the introduction of the region's first Smart National Referral Mechanism System for victims of human trafficking. The launch coincided with the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked annually on July 30.
The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage and in the presence of Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking. The event was attended by members of the Committee, representatives of diplomatic missions, and senior officials from the Ministry of Justice.
In his keynote address, the minister emphasised that the UAE places the fight against human trafficking at the forefront of its national priorities, guided by a humanitarian vision and in line with its commitments under relevant international conventions. He noted that the UAE has been proactive in this field since 2006, when it joined the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. The country also issued a national anti-trafficking law and developed a comprehensive strategy to address this crime.
He also announced the launch of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan 2025-2027, which is based on an integrated approach focused on eliminating the root causes of trafficking, pursuing perpetrators, and ensuring that offenders do not escape justice, in line with the best international practices. The strategy prioritizes a comprehensive protection system for victims, encompassing care and rehabilitation, and seeks to expand collaboration with regional and international organizations and civil society.
In alignment with this victim-centreed approach, he unveiled the Smart National Referral Mechanism System for Combating Human Trafficking - the first of its kind in the region and powered by artificial intelligence. The system coordinates the efforts of all relevant entities and analyses data to proactively detect potential cases of trafficking, thus enhancing response efficiency and accelerating procedures.
The Smart National Referral Mechanism System enables the creation of a digital profile for each victim from the moment of victim identification and the reporting of the case. It automates data entry and directs the appropriate entities to take necessary actions related to sheltering, investigation, or legal proceedings. The system also offers precise geolocation capabilities for victims and facilitates real-time information sharing among stakeholders, ensuring immediate coordination and full documentation of all case-handling stages.
The launch of the Smart National Referral Mechanism System also aligns with the UAE Government's Zero Bureaucracy Program, through a unified digital platform that connects more than 11 entities. This contributes to streamlining protection procedures and expediting the referral process for victims.
Source: Emirates News Agency
