Oman marks World Day against human trafficking
The Sultanate of Oman joins the world in marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30. Oman works continuously to combat human trafficking and was among the first countries to enact specific legislation to eradicate this criminal act.
Sheikh Humaid Al Maani, Head of the Foreign Ministry Global Affairs Department, told the Oman News Agency that Oman's commitment to promoting human rights and raising awareness about crimes against human dignity, stems not only from its international obligations, but also from religious duty and a national responsibility deeply rooted in Omani values and identity.
He added that protect these rights, the Sultanate of Oman, keen has enacted national laws to combating human trafficking. Oman has also ratified and joined numerous international agreements, charters and protocols containing provisions and measures to prevent the exploitation of individuals, especially women and children. These agreements have become part of local law to facilitate their implementation and enforcement.
He pointed out that human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes and largest illegal trades threatening human security. Human trafficking requires international cooperation to combat it and the development of a clear strategy that considers the crime's nature and severity. Human trafficking violates human nature and the teachings of Islamic law and other divine laws that sanctify the human body and prohibit any form of assault.
He highlighted the pioneering role of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) in Oman in reducing this phenomenon and providing protection and assistance to victims. The Dar Al Wefaq shelter also offers various services to human trafficking victims, including psychological, social, health, and legal services.
The NCCHT includes representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Public Prosecution, Royal Oman Police, Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Information, the Omani Human Rights Commission, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the General Federation of Oman Workers.
Sheikh Humaid explained that the Committee has developed a National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2024-2026) to enhance Oman's efforts in preventing, suppressing, and punishing human trafficking in all its forms and providing protection to victims.
He added that Oman places great importance on raising community awareness about human trafficking. Last year, the NCCHT launched a national campaign titled “Insan” (Human), which promoted awareness messages in multiple languages, through billboards, digital screens at Muscat and Salalah Airports, websites, social media platforms, lectures, workshops, articles and news reports and TV and radio interviews.
He explained that in April to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise, Oman hosted the Government Forum to Combat Human Trafficking in the Middle East, attended by heads of anti-human trafficking committees in the Middle East, along with representatives from regional and international organisations.
He added that work is currently underway to issue a new law to combat human trafficking that aligns with global developments. International and local experts have been involved in drafting it, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
According to statistics from the NCCHT, 95 reports were registered last year and 18 cases of human trafficking were identified. 38 people were prosecuted and 6 cases are currently under investigation, with a total of 55 defendants.
Oman provides a hotline (800 77 444) for reporting human trafficking, which operates 24/7, in both Arabic and English. Reports can also be made via the NCCHT website, which offers services in 14 languages.
Oman's drive to tackle human trafficking includes the establishment of Anti-Human Trafficking Offices in the Public Prosecution, Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Labour and the Foreign Ministry of Foreign to enhance the effectiveness of combating human trafficking.
A Rapid Intervention Team, headed by the Public Prosecution and which includes members from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Social Development, and Royal Oman Police, was established in 2019. The team has coordinated and handled many cases, appointed a public prosecutor and liaison officer specialising in human trafficking cases in each governorate, and established a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Department within the Royal Oman Police.
It is well-known that most human trafficking victims cannot report their plight due to fear of threats and persecution. Specialised anti-human trafficking investigation teams therefore work to identify and search for these cases through early detection of victims using various indicators applied to specific suspected cases.
Exploitation for financial gain is the primary motivation for human trafficking. This crime is committed through threats, deception, coercion, or using official authority to control the victim. Criminals exploit emotions to control their victims, threatening retaliation against victims and their families, or deceiving victims with attractive job offers to lure them into immoral and unethical activities.
The specialised anti-human trafficking investigation teams in the Royal Oman Police are trained to handle these crimes using the latest methods. They identify potential victims without them needing to report to the authorities, assess the threat posed by the perpetrators and evaluate the victim's psychological and health status to provide the necessary services.
The Ministry of Labour also plays a significant role in combating human trafficking, with a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Section responsible for investigating related complaints and providing necessary care to victims. The Ministry of Labour trains its employees to identify signs of human trafficking and to handle victims appropriately, providing the support and protection needed during investigations and trials. Each case is handled individually according to its specific circumstances.
The Ministry of Social Development, represented by the General Directorate of Family Development and the Family Protection Department, works to protect and assist human trafficking victims through various programmes. These include care and rehabilitation to help victims achieve psychological stability and balance by respecting their humanity and restoring their rights. Last year, 36 victims were sheltered in Dar Al Wefaq, including 34 women and 2 males under 18.
The Family Protection Department also offers a Social Care programme, where social workers help restore victims' trust in the outside community, facilitating recovery. A Health Care programme provides primary medical treatment. The Family Protection Department, represented by Dar Al Wefaq, also provides a cash allowance to victims to cover personal expenses during their stay and upon their departure from the country to their home countries. Dar Al Wefaq also organises recreational and other activities, to help victims.
The Ministry of Social Development also takes legal measures through its legal specialists to ensure the protection of victims. It collaborates with the Lawyers Association to represent victims, ensuring their physical and psychological safety and arranges opportunities for them to receive various forms of assistance. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities and by communicating with the Embassies of the victims' countries.
Combating human trafficking is a national responsibility, requiring the solidarity of all community members to confront and combat it in collaboration with the relevant authorities. The NCCHT plays a leading role in reducing this crime and providing protection and assistance to victims, appropriate to the severity of this phenomenon and its impact on individuals and communities.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.