Awareness crucial to curb human trafficking
Published: 05:06 PM,Jun 12,2023 | EDITED : 09:06 PM,Jun 12,2023
Muscat: As traffickers may continually devise new methods to ensnare victims, there is always a need to create awareness in order to curb the menace, according to experts in the filed, who say it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the occurrence of human trafficking and the repetitive strategies employed by traffickers.
One common tactic frequently employed by traffickers is the use of job recruitment advertisements for specific positions, primarily targeting individuals from foreign countries. Upon arrival in Oman, the victims are confronted with the harsh reality of their situation, as traffickers subject them to threats of police involvement and confiscate their passports and those who manage to escape and report to the authorities are considered fortunate in these circumstances.
The Human trafficking seminar, conducted on Monday at the Ministry of Information, shed light on such practices. The objective of the seminar was to enlighten media specialists and journalists about the significant dangers associated with human trafficking, enabling them to educate the public through the publication of awareness articles and campaigns.
'One of the issues that must be highlighted is forced labour where individuals are compelled to work against their will, under threat or coercion. It involves exploiting people through various means, such as physical or psychological control, debt bondage, or the confiscation of identity documents. It is a severe violation of human rights and is considered a form of modern slavery,' said Maisa al Shibili, Second secretary, Human Trafficking Combating office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hamad al Ghafri, a certified coach for combatting drugs and crime at the UN, emphasised that human trafficking extends beyond expatriates. He revealed instances where Omani women were coerced into engaging in prostitution through threats made by traffickers, who would expose their involvement to their families if they resisted. Regrettably, many women have unknowingly fallen into this trap, only realising the gravity of the situation when it is already too late.
Al Ghafri highlighted a set of indicators that can help identify potential victims of human trafficking. 'It is important to report individuals displaying these indicators as they may be in need of assistance. In the case of child victims, these indicators are particularly noticeable. They are often denied the ability to contact their families, display consistent fear and exhibit unusual behaviour that is not typical of children,' he said.
According to Al Ghafri, there was a noteworthy incident involving an air hostess who detected a potential case of human trafficking. She noticed a situation where a silent child was seated beside an adult who only ordered food for himself, seemingly neglecting the child's needs. Concerned, she approached the child, offering food and water, but the child remained silent.
Recognising the suspicious circumstances, the air hostess promptly informed the captain, who in turn reported the situation to airport security. The intention was to apprehend the trafficker upon landing.
Al Ghafri remarked that the successful intervention by the air hostess in the mentioned incident was a result of her education and awareness regarding such cases.
He further highlighted additional indicators that can help identify potential victims of human trafficking. These indicators include physical bruises on their bodies, residing in unsanitary and unfit living conditions, wearing improper clothing, living and working in the same location alongside others, exhibiting constant fear of police even if their visas are valid, and sometimes lacking proper work visas altogether.
One common tactic frequently employed by traffickers is the use of job recruitment advertisements for specific positions, primarily targeting individuals from foreign countries. Upon arrival in Oman, the victims are confronted with the harsh reality of their situation, as traffickers subject them to threats of police involvement and confiscate their passports and those who manage to escape and report to the authorities are considered fortunate in these circumstances.
The Human trafficking seminar, conducted on Monday at the Ministry of Information, shed light on such practices. The objective of the seminar was to enlighten media specialists and journalists about the significant dangers associated with human trafficking, enabling them to educate the public through the publication of awareness articles and campaigns.
'One of the issues that must be highlighted is forced labour where individuals are compelled to work against their will, under threat or coercion. It involves exploiting people through various means, such as physical or psychological control, debt bondage, or the confiscation of identity documents. It is a severe violation of human rights and is considered a form of modern slavery,' said Maisa al Shibili, Second secretary, Human Trafficking Combating office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hamad al Ghafri, a certified coach for combatting drugs and crime at the UN, emphasised that human trafficking extends beyond expatriates. He revealed instances where Omani women were coerced into engaging in prostitution through threats made by traffickers, who would expose their involvement to their families if they resisted. Regrettably, many women have unknowingly fallen into this trap, only realising the gravity of the situation when it is already too late.
Al Ghafri highlighted a set of indicators that can help identify potential victims of human trafficking. 'It is important to report individuals displaying these indicators as they may be in need of assistance. In the case of child victims, these indicators are particularly noticeable. They are often denied the ability to contact their families, display consistent fear and exhibit unusual behaviour that is not typical of children,' he said.
According to Al Ghafri, there was a noteworthy incident involving an air hostess who detected a potential case of human trafficking. She noticed a situation where a silent child was seated beside an adult who only ordered food for himself, seemingly neglecting the child's needs. Concerned, she approached the child, offering food and water, but the child remained silent.
Recognising the suspicious circumstances, the air hostess promptly informed the captain, who in turn reported the situation to airport security. The intention was to apprehend the trafficker upon landing.
Al Ghafri remarked that the successful intervention by the air hostess in the mentioned incident was a result of her education and awareness regarding such cases.
He further highlighted additional indicators that can help identify potential victims of human trafficking. These indicators include physical bruises on their bodies, residing in unsanitary and unfit living conditions, wearing improper clothing, living and working in the same location alongside others, exhibiting constant fear of police even if their visas are valid, and sometimes lacking proper work visas altogether.