Bahrain’s anti-human trafficking strides highlighted
On behalf of Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan attended here today the celebration of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
Al-Hassan extended sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and the First Deputy Prime Minister for Bahrain's anti-human trafficking achievements.
The accomplishments include the US State Department's 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report that upgraded Bahrain to Tier 1 status in recognition of its long-standing commitment to combating human trafficking and reinforcing expatriate worker protections.
He hailed the distinguished efforts of HRH Crown Prince to tackle the issue to enhance Bahrain's global position, adding that the milestone reflects the international role of Bahrain and its dedication to reinforcing world security and peace within its region and internationally.
The Public Security Chief expressed sincere thanks to the Interior Minister for the support provided to the Ministry of Interior directorates to carry out their tasks towards the protection of security and stability of the nation.
He said that the dedication of the Interior Minister to enhancing the activeness and the performance of police personnel had contributed to enabling the Ministry to achieve many successes and accomplishment in the local and international levels.
He stressef that the anti-human trafficking achievements of the Ministry of Interior were the results of hard work that extended for more than 11 years, including the order of the Interior Minister to form the Anti-human Trafficking Division in 2007 to receive related cases, take the necessary steps and refer those cases to the Public Prosecution.
Organising awareness-raising programmes and campaigns have also contributed to Bahrain's achievements in this regard.
The Directorate of Anti-human Trafficking has tackled 186 cases from 2010 to July 2018, while a total of 77 buildings and restaurants were shut down for related violations from 2017 until now after obtaining orders from the Public Prosecution.
The Royal Academy of Police (RAP) has been dedicated for the last ten years to enhancing awareness of the ministry's personnel on human trafficking through courses and workshops that were held in cooperation with the United Nations and specialised institutions and academies. The Directorate has also designed e-database for human trafficking victims.
Al-Hassan expressed thanks and appreciation to the employees of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science and Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs for their efforts to reinforce anti-human trafficking operations.
They have proven sincerity in cases that required hard and continuous work and commitment to the law, he said, valuing their professionalism and round the clock work to fight crimes.
He highlighted the importance of promoting community partnership in helping victims and bringing them justice through informing them of their legal rights and providing them with medical care and shelters.
During the ceremony, the Director-General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science delivered a speech, in which he expressed thanks and appreciation to the Interior Minister for his ongoing support to the department in fighting crimes in general and human trafficking in particular. He said that the achievement of Bahrain was considered an international recognition and reflected the real dedication to taking the necessary steps to implement international laws and agreements.
He said that the international recognition was part of the efforts of various competent bodies, including the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science that has played a key role as a member in the National Anti-human Trafficking Committee and through carrying necessary law enforcement.
Al-Hassan was briefed about the initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of employees and raise public awareness, along with the procedures to deal with cases, including informing and providing the victims of their rights.
At the end of the ceremony, the Public Security Chief honoured distinguished officers and personnel of the Directorate of Anti-human trafficking out of appreciation of their efforts. He wished the best to all in serving the nation.
Source: Bahrain News Agency