Kuwait aims for the top global ranking in combating human trafficking
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the continuation of Kuwait’s efforts to combat human trafficking through the Permanent National Government Committee, headed by the Minister of Justice.
The government, represented by the Permanent Committee, is making efforts and taking rapid steps to complete its work system to preserve human rights and combat human trafficking, in cooperation with the United Nations and international organizations, as well as through the governmental efforts of the state ministries concerned with this issue.
The Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and member of the Permanent Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, Riya Al-Rashidi, told Al-Jarida that Kuwait has received international praise from the US Ambassador-at-Large for monitoring human trafficking and migrant smuggling, in recognition of the great efforts made by the relevant authorities in the country to uphold human rights.
Al-Rashidi added that the US Ambassador-at-Large for Combating Human Trafficking at the regional and international levels met with the Permanent Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, headed by the Minister of Justice and including representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Information, the Public Authority for Manpower, and the Ministry of Interior.
Moreover, Al-Rashidi praised the efforts of the relevant authorities in Kuwait in combating human trafficking; stating that the US Ambassador’s meeting in Kuwait is a continuation of the meeting held with the Permanent Committee for Combating Human Trafficking last May in the United States.
Al-Rashidi pointed out that the Ambassador closely witnessed the achievements made by Kuwait in combating human trafficking across all state agencies, as well as within each ministry and government agency separately. Al-Rashidi also highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Justice in amending legislation on combating human trafficking and developing the national referral system through the Justice Advisory Team, which is headed by the Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Justice and includes the Public Prosecution, the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, and the Public Authority for Manpower.
Furthermore, Al-Rashidi stated that they are working on amending the legislation on combating human trafficking and developing the national referral system. She also mentioned that the Permanent Committee for Combating Human Trafficking reviewed the electronic reporting system recently launched at the Ministry of Justice, which represents a qualitative leap in combating human trafficking through the Public Prosecution.
At the same time, the committee reviewed Kuwait’s efforts through its various relevant bodies, focusing on training, awareness, education, and spreading legal awareness to combat human trafficking, identify victims, and provide services to this group.
These services include health and psychological support, translation services offered by the Ministry of Justice, and the powers of attorney through the Power of Attorney Department. Additionally, psychological services are provided by specialists in the Ministry of Social Affairs through shelter centers for workers.
Al-Rashidi said that the Permanent Committee is very focused on shelters, which are under the supervision of the Public Authority for Manpower. Currently, there is a shelter for women, and the state is preparing to complete another shelter for men.
In addition, Al-Rashidi emphasized that establishing shelters is one of the top priority recommendations that the Permanent Committee for Combating Human Trafficking is working on, aiming to provide all necessary services to victims. She also stressed that Kuwait is working hard to implement all international recommendations to ensure a proper fight against human trafficking and uphold human rights.
Al-Rashidi said that the Permanent Committee is striving to raise the level of services provided in combating human trafficking, emphasizing that the role of government agencies and the committee is to work diligently to provide integrated services to workers and victims.
Al-Rashidi highlighted the significant efforts of government agencies in this regard, especially after the review of the Permanent Committee’s work by the Council of Ministers, which continuously monitors the efforts of government agencies.
The Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs submit a joint report to the Council of Ministers every three months on the efforts of the Permanent Committee to enhance human trafficking combat measures and implement international recommendations related to this critical issue.
Al-Rashidi stated that international organizations, especially the US Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor Human Trafficking, recognized Kuwait’s efforts to combat human trafficking and uphold human rights regarding labor. This recognition helped maintain Kuwait’s position in the second classification.
What’s more is that Al-Rashidi expressed hope for Kuwait to rise to the first classification globally, following the US Ambassador’s visit to the country, where the Ambassador witnessed the significant government efforts, projects, and legislative amendments aimed at reinforcing the fight against human trafficking. The Ambassador praised Kuwait’s efforts, particularly in implementing international recommendations and amending relevant legislation and laws.
Al-Rashidi stressed that the committee’s efforts, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, are ongoing, and they are working hard to highlight Kuwait’s role in the field of human rights and combating human trafficking.
