The various strategic initiatives taken by the Sultanate of Oman are the focus of the high-level workshop organised by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The workshop began at the Diplomatic Club on Sunday.
The five-day training workshop, titled ‘Training of Trainers on Combating Human Trafficking,’ aims to prepare a group of specialised trainers in combating the crime of human trafficking or TIP (Trafficking in Persons). It involves the participation of employees from various government institutions and is part of the annual plan of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.
"Through this international workshop, we aim to enhance the capabilities of national cadres in this field and to uphold the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to international standards for the protection and promotion of human rights," a high-ranking official from the NCCHT stated.
“Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. It is a crime and a violation of human rights. Human trafficking, or TIP, involves the movement or recruitment of men, women, and children through deception or coercion for the purpose of exploitation,” she added.
According to reports released by the NCCHT, it is estimated that up to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year. Globally, 71 per cent of enslaved people are women and girls.
It is the third most profitable criminal activity, after drug and arms trafficking. Victims are often deceived with promises of jobs, education, and marriage, with young women and children being the primary targets of traffickers.
In Oman, the issue is relatively less prevalent compared to many other countries, thanks to the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. The committee develops and implements National Action Plans to control and prevent trafficking, organises public awareness programmes, provides training for law enforcement personnel, and contributes to the establishment of care and rehabilitation programmes.
In the upcoming days of the workshop, the various protection methods provided by the NCCHT will be assessed, including Dar al Wefaq, which means the Protection House (Dar Al Wefaq).
The Dar al Wefaq centre has been established to offer immediate protection to victims of human trafficking, assess their psychological, social, and health status, provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, and enhance communication and coordination among professionals to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided.
The workshop will continue until Thursday, October 24.
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