http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/11/12/10081869.html
11/12/2006 06:55 PM | Gulf News
Part of the West's frequent onslaught against all things Arab has been the charge that human rights are abused. So-called examples are quoted often inaccurate or out of date as proof positive of the allegations, which a gullible public tends to be ready to believe. That a full and proper understanding of the situation and conditions, either in the Arab world or the subcontinent, is never acquired or appreciated is immaterial. It is truly a case of never letting facts interfere with a good story.
However, the damage is done, and once done is very hard to undo regardless of what other good there may be. Bad news takes the fast track; good news gets shunted to one side.
Aware of the perpetuating over-hyped publicity given to the region, and in particular regard to the UAE, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree which tackles the very problem of human trafficking and all its ugly consequential effects. The 16-article law, which comes into effect one month after it has been published in the official gazette, outlines the various punishments that can be incurred by those violating the law. The penalties range from heavy fines to life imprisonment, thereby demonstrating the seriousness with which the problem is viewed by the Government.
Shaikh Khalifa has also instructed his council of ministers to set up a National Committee for combating Human Trafficking. The committee, comprising representatives from several appropriate ministries and organisations, will study and revise human trafficking legislation to ensure protection accords to international standards. All of which is welcome.
Yet consideration must be given to establishing centres where the exploited can seek sanctuary.
Wide publicity of their locations and ways to contact them will go a long way to ensuring the success of the new law.
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