Vienna: The National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons participated in the 16th annual meeting of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, held at the United Nations Office in Vienna. The primary focus of the meeting was on reviewing the implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Committee reaffirmed Bahrain's dedication to enhancing its integrated system to combat trafficking in persons, a transnational crime. The Kingdom's delegation included representatives from various government bodies, such as Public Prosecutor Counsel Dr. Ali Abbas Al Shehabi, Judge Jassim Mohammed Al Ajalan from the Supreme Judicial Council, and Noora Isa Mubarak from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), along with officials from the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science.
The delegation emphasized Bahrain's comprehensive national strategy to combat trafficking, which relies on collaboration among governmental and non-governmental entities and is supported by clear legislative and procedural frameworks. The delegation highlighted that prevention and protection are central to Bahrain's approach, focusing on strengthening labour market regulations and developing sustainable initiatives to reduce vulnerability and exploitation.
Bahrain's efforts include the Wage Protection System, preventive monitoring, and the Migrant Workers Protection Centre, alongside ongoing investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications within a specialized justice system. The Kingdom also shared its experiences in victim and witness protection.
The delegation stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices to fortify national capabilities and improve responses to the evolving challenges of trafficking in persons. They underscored the importance of reinforcing joint efforts to combat this crime.