The UAE’s Efforts in Caring for and Rehabilitating Women and Girls Victims of Human Trafficking: An analytical study on the Emirate of Dubai

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to highlight the efforts of UAE and the Emirate of Dubai in the field of protection, care and rehabilitation of women and girls victims of human trafficking, in addition to identifying the characteristics of the victims, the most common forms of trafficking and understanding the means used to deceive them.

Methods: The study used available data methodology by referring to reports issued by official entities in UAE.

Results:. Results showed that the UAE strategy to combat human trafficking is based on five pillars which are prevention, prosecution, punishment, victims’ protection, and strengthening international cooperation. Results also revealed the availability of comprehensive services in the field of protection, care, psychological and social rehabilitation for victims regardless of race, religion, or nationality. In regards to victims’ social and demographic characteristics, results showed that adult women constituted 75% of the victims, and that asian victims ranked first with regard to the nationality at 88.7%. Results also showed diversity of the victims’ marital status and revealed their low educational level. Furthermore, it showed that sexual exploitation was the most common form of trafficking, and that promising to get a job was the common mean used to deceive victims.

Conclusions: The study confirms the existence of pioneering services for human trafficking victims in UAE. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, there is a need to create a unified national database, develope new policies, enhance networking at local, national and international levels to dry up the sources of this crime.