Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - United Arab Emirates (Ratification: 1982)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. The Committee notes with interest the information on the application in practice of the Federal Act No. 51 of 2006 on human trafficking, as well as the information on the activities of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), provided by the Government in its report. The Government indicates that it is endeavouring to implement a national plan of action to combat human trafficking, which is focusing on the following main pillars: development of the anti-trafficking legislation, application of prevention and protection measures, and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation. As regards development of the legislation, the Committee notes, in particular, the Government’s indication that a draft amendment of Federal Act No. 51 of 2006 on human trafficking is expected to be adopted shortly by the legislative authority.

As regards law enforcement, the Committee notes the comprehensive information provided by the Government, with reference to the 2008 report of the NCCHT, concerning the numbers of human trafficking cases registered under Federal Act No. 51 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, El Sharqa, Ajman, Um El Qouwain and Ras El Khaima Emirates, as well as the substance of these cases and the penalties imposed on perpetrators. The Committee also notes the information on the application in practice of sections 341–347 of the Criminal Law punishing the crimes of abduction, deprivation of liberty, enslavement and incitement to prostitution.

The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide, in its next report, a copy of the National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking, referred to above. Please also supply a copy of the amendment of Federal Act No. 51 of 2006 on human trafficking, as soon as it is adopted. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide, in its future reports, information on the application in practice of Federal Act No. 51 on human trafficking, indicating the penalties imposed on perpetrators, as well as, more generally, information on measures taken, both in legislation and in practice, to prevent, suppress and punish human trafficking, including prevention and protection measures.