Combating trafficking in persons a priority: minister

HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri emphasised that combating trafficking in persons and the provision of the essential protection for labourers are considered one of Qatar's priorities, clarifying that the past years witnessed a series of updates in the business environment and development of regulations with the objective of improving the situations of the expatriate workers.

The goals * Providing the required assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking * Work on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society * Providing care and temporary accommodation for them until their problems are resolved * Providing high-quality services in line with international standards

During the inauguration of the Qatari House for Human Care after it became operational following its rehabilitation, HE the Minister noted that reopening of the facility comes within the co-operation and integration with various authorities concerned in the provision of protection to workers, pointing out that it is essential to continue the efforts in affording the required assistance and protection to the victims of human trafficking and work to rehabilitate and integrate them in the community. The reopening of the House for Human Care was attended by HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah.HE the Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi, emphasised that the co-operation between the Ministry of Labour and QRCS reflects the ministry's priority, including its keenness to capitalise on QRCS's experience in the area of providing societal services to various primary segments that are eligible for receiving the care.The House for Human Care of the ministry, represented by National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), aims to provide the required assistance and protection for the victims of human trafficking.As an operational entity for the facility, QRCS is committed to provide high-quality services in conformity with the enforced international standards in such vital facilities, as the centre offers an integrated unit to fulfil the exigent needs of the expatriate workers and reach out to all relevant government authorities to expedite the mission of guiding the workers victimised by human trafficking.The strategic project includes six villas, four of which are residential and two dedicated to public service. The buildings designated for sheltering workers have been duly equipped and furnished, in addition to co-ordinating with the security departments and NCCHT to expose any case that amounts to a crime of trafficking in persons to promptly take the legal action.