Kuwait commemorates World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
By Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer
The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwait Trade Union Federation, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized an awareness event to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The event was attended by H.E. Eng. Rabab Al-Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, H.E. Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Kuwait.
The event aimed to raise public awareness of trafficking in persons and emphasize the importance of protecting human rights.
As part of the event, the Authority presented four interactive booths representing the core values of Freedom, Safety, Humanity, and Rights, highlighting PAM’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons and safeguarding the rights of workers in the State of Kuwait.
Freedom is essential since each person is born with, a foundation of humanity and dignity for that when a person becomes a victim of human trafficking, freedom is lost. Protecting freedom is not just a legal but humanitarian right. Safety enables people to work, live and be productive.
It also means creating a safe environment that provide safety to everyone. Humanity highlights protection of rights and extending help to those in need. Standing against human trafficking is not just an obligation but a humanitarian responsibility. Rights summarizes the three cores.
To fully understand an employment contract prior to signing it, to retain passport and personal documents and be able to be protected from any exploitation, Kuwait authorities guarantee these rights through its official system and channels available to everyone in need of assistance.
The event also included other booths from of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kuwait Trade Federation. Brochures translated in different languages were distributed to the public for better awareness on the roles of each departments.
Visitors were also introduced to the services provided by the Authority’s shelters for both men and women, including comprehensive social, healthcare, and support services, through a visual presentation showcasing PAM’s key efforts in protecting victims and providing them with the necessary care.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to participants, in addition to conducting a public awareness survey to assess participants’ understanding of trafficking in persons. The findings will contribute to the development of future awareness initiatives and enhance ongoing efforts to combat this crime.
