Philippines, UAE ink pact vs human trafficking

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in combating trafficking in persons, especially women and children. 

The MOU was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. 

It seeks to establish a mechanism for an efficient, regular and transparent exchange of information between the two countries on matters involving human trafficking. 

The two countries also agreed to share best practices as well as promote safety, human rights and the best interest of trafficking victims within the legal framework of the Philippines and the UAE. 

Under the MOU, the countries agreed to provide each other the widest cooperation and assistance in repatriation and rehabilitation of victims, which should be done as expeditiously as possible. 

The two countries also agreed to provide assistance in the protection, rescue, repatriation, recovery and rehabilitation of trafficking victims. 

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the signing of the MOU seeks to strengthen the bilateral relations and cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. 

The DFA noted that countries have ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to preventand punish trafficking in persons. – Pia Lee-Brago