Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Human Rights International Affairs Committee, commended the Kingdom of Bahrain's leading human rights achievements in combating human trafficking, digital fraud, and cybercrime through a comprehensive legislative and judicial framework dedicated to protecting human rights and human dignity. He attributed these achievements to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, marking this year's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed under the theme "Trapped behind the scam", the Minister highlighted Bahrain's integrated national efforts, in partnership with international organisations, to combat human trafficking, digital fraud, and transnational organised crime through advanced legislation and policies focused on prevention, protection, accountability, and alignment with international best practices.
He commended the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons for strengthening coordination among national institutions and advancing policies under Law (1) of 2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons. He noted Bahrain's establishment of the region's first specialised prosecution and court for trafficking cases, as well as the Expat Protection Centre, improved victim referral mechanisms, and comprehensive care and support services for victims.
Dr. Al Zayani also underscored Bahrain's continued efforts to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework to combat human trafficking, prevent online fraud and exploitation, improve labour protection, and safeguard workers' rights. He highlighted the contributions of the Ministry of Interior, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and other national entities in promoting a secure digital environment and implementing awareness and capacity-building programs.
He further noted that Bahrain has retained its Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting the effectiveness of the Kingdom's national framework and its close cooperation with diplomatic missions, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Organisation for Migration, and other international partners, in line with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols.
The Minister reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to further strengthening its national framework for combating human trafficking and enhancing digital security as part of its broader human rights agenda, guided by the principles of justice, the rule of law, and support for the Sustainable Development Goals.