Kuwait calls for stronger global action against human trafficking
. . . and digital crime, reaffirms global commitment to combating human trafficking
Kuwait has reaffirmed its full commitment to implementing the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, while emphasizing its readiness to strengthen cooperation with international partners to combat the growing threat of human trafficking.
The statement was delivered by diplomatic attaché at Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zainab Mansouri, during the 16th meeting of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, held under the framework of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in Vienna, Austria.
At the beginning of her address, Mansouri praised the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in monitoring the implementation of the protocol. She noted that since Kuwait joined the protocol in 2006, the country has viewed the review mechanism as a vital tool for enhancing the implementation of international obligations through dialogue, exchange of expertise, and capacity-building among nations.
Mansouri highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national anti-trafficking framework through an integrated institutional approach. She pointed to the adoption of Kuwait’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (2025–2028), alongside continued work on developing the national referral mechanism aimed at improving victim identification procedures and ensuring protection and care in line with international standards.
She explained that the National Standing Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, chaired by the Minister of Justice, plays a central role in coordinating national efforts, monitoring the implementation of international commitments, and enhancing cooperation with international organizations, particularly the UNODC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Mansouri also stressed Kuwait’s focus on institutional capacity-building through specialized training programs targeting judges, public prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel. In addition, Kuwait has prepared a guidance manual for Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff and members of diplomatic and consular missions to help identify indicators of human trafficking crimes and deal effectively with potential victims.
She emphasized that the true value of the review mechanism lies in its practical impact on the national level by supporting legislative development, strengthening institutional coordination, and benefiting from international best practices, thereby transforming it into a sustainable platform for institutional development and capacity enhancement.
Mansouri further underlined the importance of ensuring that the review mechanism keeps pace with evolving patterns of organized crime, particularly amid the growing link between human trafficking and technology-driven criminal activities in the digital space. She stressed the need for greater international exchange of expertise to improve the effectiveness of national and global responses.
Kuwait concluded by renewing its commitment to continued cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, States Parties, and all international partners to support joint efforts aimed at preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
