NHRC, IOM sign MoU to tackle human trafficking

The Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar and the Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of enhancing coordination in the field of promoting human rights, the rights of migrants and combating human trafficking.

The memorandum of understanding will enhance joint efforts by opening a new area of close cooperation between the two sides on issues of common interest, particularly related to strengthening capacities to combat human trafficking.

Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, said that the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) has cast a shadow over all areas of human rights, including the issue of the increase in human trafficking crimes around the world, especially in light of the high rates of unemployment that drive large numbers of people to be victims of human trafficking and forced to work in conditions that are incompatible with the minimum limits of human dignity.

Al-Attiyah pointed out that human traffickers are using various means to lure victims, including enticement, intimidation, coercion, promises of false wages and fake job opportunities, pointing out that the crime of human trafficking is considered a crime that does not recognise geographical borders, in light of the high boom in the capabilities of modern digital means and the openness between countries that facilitated these crimes.

Al-Attiyah pointed out that the MoU between the National Human Rights Committee and the International Organization for Migration came within the framework of achieving common goals between the two sides in terms of upgrading the protection of human rights and preserving their dignity, and mobilising the energies of society around understanding and exercising their rights and duties, promoting equality and non-discrimination, and upholding the values of tolerance and justice to promote effective respect for the human rights and well-being of migrants, help address migration challenges, enhance understanding of migration issues, and encourage social and economic development through migration.

For her part, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar Iman Ereiqat, said that this joint cooperation with the National Human Rights Committee represents an important new stage to formalise the excellent partnership between both sides.

Ereiqat added that the partnership with Qatar National Human Rights Committee is valuable, especially given the pivotal role played by the Committee in advocating on behalf of various vulnerable groups, and the International Organization for Migration looks forward to a fruitful partnership for the benefit of migrants and the State of Qatar.

The memorandum of understanding stipulated the importance of holding consultations between the two sides on all issues of common interest, defining the appropriate framework for action and close cooperation to achieve the common interest and according to available resources.

The memorandum stipulated that the areas of cooperation include human rights, migration, combating human trafficking, raising awareness and education on human rights, as well as developing capacities in issues of common interest, as well as cooperation in the field of scientific research and strategic studies, exchange of research and publications, and joint cooperation in holding workshops, conferences and seminars.