Manama: The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has organised a national workshop to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event was inaugurated by Brigadier Abdulwahab Rashid Bu Nashi, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Public Morality Protection Directorate. He emphasized that Bahrain's consistent Tier 1 ranking over the past eight years in the international arena is a testament to sustained institutional efforts and strong collaboration among relevant authorities, rather than mere chance or isolated decisions.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the workshop, titled "Human Trafficking Crime and the Kingdom's Efforts to Combat It," gathered 102 specialists from nine national and international organisations. Bahrain has maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report for the eighth consecutive year, being the first Arab country to achieve and sustain this classification.
The Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate expressed gratitude to the Chair and members of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons for their fruitful cooperation. He asserted that these efforts demonstrate the Ministry of Interior's dedication to upholding human rights without discrimination, in line with the Kingdom's principles and its authentic Arab and Islamic values.
The workshop centered around four main pillars: legislation, prosecution, protection, and prevention. In terms of legislation, participants highlighted Law No. (1) of 2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons, which serves as the legal foundation for Bahrain's anti-trafficking mechanisms. This law also established the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons to coordinate efforts among the relevant authorities.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion that recommended continued strengthening of coordination among national authorities, expanding public awareness of human trafficking indicators and reporting mechanisms, enhancing the capabilities of specialised personnel, promoting early reporting as a cornerstone of victim protection, and encouraging the exchange of expertise with international partners to preserve Bahrain's leading position and further strengthen the national anti-trafficking framework.