Human traffickers face imprisonment

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/11/11/10081811.html

12/27/2006 09:34 AM | By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief



Abu Dhabi: The UAE stepped up battle against human traffickers with a tough new law that gives a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and penalties of up to Dh1 million.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the law to combat human trafficking after it was approved by the Cabinet and the Supreme Council, according to WAM.

The law defines human trafficking as mobilising, transporting, dispatching, or receiving persons through the use or the threat of force or any other forms of coercion.

It includes kidnapping, deceit, manipulation, misuse of power, exploitation of others' weaknesses, or giving or receiving money or advantages to win the support of a person having influence over another person to exploit him.

Exploitation is defined to include exploitation for sex, engaging others in prostitution, servitude, forced labour, enslavement, quasi-slavery practices or detachment of organs.

The law imposes a prison term of at least five years for anyone engaging in human trafficking.

The penalty will be life imprisonment if the perpetrators are an organised criminal gang, or if the victim was a female, child (under 18 years) or handicapped.

The life sentence will be imposed also if the crime is committed through deceit, involved the use of force or threat of murder or bodily harm, or involved physical or psychological torture.

The same sentence will be imposed if the perpetrator is the husband, a relative, descendant or guardian of the victim, or if the perpetrator is a public servant or given the responsibility of a public task.

A sentence of one to five years in prison and/or a Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 fine will be imposed on whoever was aware of a plan to commit a human trafficking crime, but failed to inform authorities.

Corporate organisations will be liable to a fine ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million if their representatives, managers or agents engage in human trafficking.

Funds, goods or instruments used in any form of human trafficking will be confiscated.

The Cabinet will set up a national committee for combating human trafficking, comprising representatives of several ministries and organisations.

It will be tasked with revising human trafficking legislation to secure the necessary protection according to international standards, prepare reports and coordinate anti-human trafficking efforts with other authorities.

The law will take effect one month after publication in the official gazette.

Your comments

Excellent rule passed. Really amazing rule according to an Islamic country. I really appreciate the authorities for passing this rule.
Mohammad
Abu Dhabi,UAE

This initiative is a true blessing to our oppressed brothers to voice out their side against the selfish perpetrators. We only hope that the designated authorities will act accordingly.
Allan
Dubai,Emirates

This is an awsome step forward for the UAE and we must pray that the necessary resouces are provided by government to uphold this high moral ground and combat this scourge of civilised society.
Dominic
Dubai,UAE

It?s one of the excellent steps taken by the government. In fact the government should send their people through their CID and catch people/companies selling visit visas and their names.
Anil
Dubai,UAE

This is the best news I heard about the human trafficking law in the UAE. Lately there were many stories about how the UAE is becoming a centre for human trafficking and prostitution. I applaud the government of the UAE for passing such a thorough law against those criminals.
Sosan
Newport Beach,USA

Why give them life? Why not execute? Why keep them alive?
G
Abu Dhabi,UAE