GCC Chief: Human trafficking is a scourge threatening humanity

RIYADH, The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi underscored the urgent need to combat human trafficking, describing it as a scourge threatening all of humanity, especially children and women. His statement came on Tuesday, in recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, and is themed this year as "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking." Human trafficking disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, especially children and women, amid global challenges, conflicts, and wars, Al-Budaiwi said, calling it "one of the most heinous crimes that violates human rights." He went on to say, "Choosing this year's theme focuses on the importance of protecting children from trafficking in persons, due to the vulnerability of this group and taking rapid international measures to end their trafficking. Children still suffer from exploitation in forced labor, criminality, begging, assault and sexual exploitation, and throu gh modern means of communication." "The GCC countries have paid great attention to the issues of combating trafficking in persons, and this stems from their commitment to the provisions of Islamic Sharia, its laws, and procedures, which preserve human dignity and prohibit and criminalize all forms of insulting his dignity, depriving him of his freedom, and exploiting him," he stated. In conclusion, Al-Budaiwi, "Stressed that the international efforts made in this regard cannot succeed without concerted national and regional efforts, and benefiting from best practices to eliminate trafficking in persons." Source: Kuwait News Agency