Tariq Al-Asfour named Vice-Chair of GCC anti-trafficking committee in UN pact

• After coordinating with the Foreign Ministry, the memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC region is aimed at exchanging technical and advisory opinions and consulting on international experiences related to combating the crime of trafficking in persons.

Tariq Al-Asfour, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC region, commissioning him as Vice-Chairman of the National Committee for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, according to Q8-Press.

After coordinating with the Foreign Ministry, the memorandum aimed at exchanging technical and advisory opinions and consulting on international experiences related to combating the crime of trafficking in persons was signed.

He emphasized that Kuwait spares no effort in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants through various mechanisms. He explained that this cooperation is part of Kuwait’s vision to strengthen cooperation frameworks and build partnerships with international and regional organizations, particularly the United Nations and its various bodies.

He emphasized that this cooperation aims to strengthen cooperation frameworks between the parties and promote their common goals and objectives regarding the prevention, suppression, and punishment of trafficking in persons, as well as enhancing the protection of victims in accordance with international treaties, standards, norms, and best practices.

It is noteworthy that the National Committee for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers on February 5, 2018. It is chaired by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Al-Wasmi, and includes membership from all relevant authorities.

Its vision is to achieve a Kuwait free from human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, with a society fully aware of the dangers of these phenomena and committed to their elimination.

The committee’s objectives include identifying victims and those affected by trafficking crimes, providing them with protection and support, training and enhancing the skills of relevant authorities to combat human trafficking, and raising awareness across society, including employers and employees, based on religious and ethical values. It also aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation frameworks in combating trafficking in persons.

The committee urges citizens and residents to report human trafficking crimes via the hotline (25589696) and email (ath@moi.gov.kw).