Sunday 08 / September / 2024
Muscat: A National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2024-2026) has been put in place by Oman, according to Sheikh Humaid bin Ali Al Maani, Head of the International Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry.
The plan is a comprehensive strategy aimed at intensifying efforts to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking while safeguarding victims.
In an interview to Oman News Agency, Al Maani spoke at length on the various initiatives and strategies to strengthen Oman’s commitment to prevent, suppress and prosecute all forms of human trafficking.
On July 30, the Sultanate of Oman joins the global community in observing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
In the interview Al Maani further said: “Oman is recognised for its proactive stance against human trafficking, being among the first to introduce dedicated legislation with the Anti-Human Trafficking Law.”
He emphasised that Oman’s commitment extends beyond international obligations.
It reflects deep-rooted Omani values and a religious and national duty to uphold human dignity.
He said that the Sultanate has enacted national laws and ratified numerous international agreements to combat human trafficking, including those protecting women and children.
These measures have been integrated into local laws to ensure effective enforcement.
Al Maani highlighted human trafficking as a severe crime and a major threat to human security, requiring international cooperation and a strategic response. Oman’s approach is guided by Islamic principles and international human rights standards.
He said that the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking plays a crucial role in addressing this issue.
It operates “Dar Al Wefaq,” a protection home offering psychological, social, health, and legal services to victims.
The number of cases that were lodged at Dar Al Wefaq during the past year reached 36 victims, 34 of whom were women and 2 were males under the age of 18.
To boost community awareness, Oman’s national committee launched the “Human” campaign last year, utilising various platforms including billboards, digital screens, and social media.
Additionally, Oman hosted the fifth session of the Government Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East on April 17, fostering regional cooperation.
He said that Oman is working on a new anti-trafficking law, in collaboration with international experts and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Recent statistics reveal that 95 reports were filed last year, leading to 18 trafficking cases and 38 prosecutions, with six cases still under investigation while the total number of accused reached 55 accused and in 3 cases the guilty were convicted.
The Sultanate’s achievements include joining several key international conventions and protocols, underscoring its commitment to human rights.
The Basic Law of the State enshrines the protection of life and dignity, reinforcing the country’s legal framework against human trafficking.
Al Maani said that a national committee, consisting of various government agencies, is tasked with developing and implementing anti-trafficking strategies and victim rehabilitation programmes. “This collaborative effort extends to the Ministry of Labour, which investigates trafficking complaints and supports victims, and the Ministry of Social Development, which provides care and support through programmes at Dar Al-Wefaq,” said Al Maani.
He added that the Ministry of Social Development also collaborates with civil society organisations and signed several memoranda of cooperation to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts.
Al Maani said: “Combating human trafficking is a collective national responsibility. Oman’s comprehensive approach, including awareness campaigns like “Ehsan” and “Insan,” and its efforts to provide multilingual support, illustrate the country’s ongoing dedication to eliminating this crime and supporting its victims.”
The Sultanate of Oman provides hotlines for reporting the crime of human trafficking, which operate around the clock and are available in Arabic and English. Reporting can also be done through the Committee’s website, which provides reports in 14 languages.
