LOC11:49
08:49 GMT
KUWAIT, Dec 1 (KUNA) -- Deputy Chairperson of the National Permanent Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, and Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, Awatif Al-Sanad, said forming a specialized team to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling represents a pivotal step that enhances coordination among concerned authorities and strengthens national efforts in this field.
In remarks to KUNA on Monday, Al-Sanad noted that the mechanisms outlined in the decision align with the objectives of the national strategy, particularly those related to enhancing cooperation and upgrading the capacities of authorities tasked with combating human trafficking.
She affirmed the committee's continued support for the relevant entities, calling for the expansion of specialized task forces within these bodies to enhance the State's effectiveness in addressing human trafficking cases and protecting victims.
On Sunday, Public Prosecutor Counselor Saad Al-Safran issued a decision establishing a specialized team within the Public Prosecution dedicated to combating crimes of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, in implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants and in reinforcement of Kuwait's commitment to relevant international and regional standards.
The Public Prosecution had stated last Tuesday that it had begun investigations into nine cases connected to human trafficking and money laundering. The cases involve the exploitation of the needs and vulnerable humanitarian and financial circumstances of cooperative society handling workers, who were allegedly forced to pay daily illicit fees in return for being allowed to perform their duties, while being deprived of their legally guaranteed rights. (end)
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