Kuwait City: The State of Qatar participated in the 6th session of the Government Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East, held Thursday in Kuwait. HE Minister of Labour and Chairman of Qatar’s National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri led the State of Qatar’s delegation at the Forum.
According to Qatar News Agency, the forum operated under the theme “Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice in Combating Human Trafficking” and saw participation from ministers and heads of specialised agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In the opening address, Dr. Al Marri reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and dignity, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance legislative frameworks, strengthen preventive mechanisms, and provide support for victims, in alignment with international best practices and standards.
Dr. Al Marri announced the launch of Qatar’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2024-2026), a strategic roadmap centred on prevention, protection, prosecution, and international cooperation. The plan aims to improve coordination among national stakeholders, raise public awareness, ensure a safe environment for victims, and enhance institutional capacities.
He detailed the Ministry of Labour’s initiatives, in collaboration with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, to protect workers’ rights and prevent exploitation. Dr. Al Marri also emphasized Qatar’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with international organisations like the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The forum addressed workplace trafficking forms, reviewed Middle Eastern experiences in combating human trafficking, and explored mitigation strategies. Participants included international and regional experts, alongside representatives from national committees and permanent secretariat member states.