Within the framework of international co-ordination efforts, the United Arab Emirates is supporting many world initiatives aimed at combatting all forms of human trafficking. The country has also authenticated and signed many agreements, which are included within the framework of crimes to be combated including human trafficking. These initiatives and agreements are as follows:
Agreements concerning the entry of expatriate employees
Human trafficking crimes witnessed by the UAE are directly connected to the social circumstances of some countries from which immigrant labour comes to the country. The UAE is signatory to many co-operation agreements relating to the organization of the entry of these labourers. These agreements have been signed with a number of countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, and the Philippines. These agreements have also led some countries, most notably the Philippines and India to refuse immigration licenses to Filipinos less than 25 years old and Indian women of less than 30 years who wish to work in the UAE in an effort to protect them against possible exploitation.
Co-operation and co-ordination with the International Immigration Organization
The UAE Government works with many international non-government institutions to co-ordinate efforts and initiatives the most important of which is the International Immigration Organisation. The Government works with the IIO to return victims of violence and human trafficking to their homelands.
Exchange of visits and experiences
In working towards combating crime, many UAE government and non-government institutions focus on working jointly with, and sharing experience at Arab, regional and international levels. The Centres of Ewa'a Shelters for women and children who are victims of human trafficking has emerged from tthe frequent visits to similar centres around the world. These visits have resulted in knowledge transfer which is being applied to managing and operation the centre to international standards.
World initiative to combat human trafficking
The UAE is participating in an initiative supervised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in which various countries are sharing the collection of data and investigation technologies. Chief Lieutenant General, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahayyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Higher Commander of the Armed Forces, has supported this initiative with a AED. 55 million (US$15 million) donation and sponsorship of the United Nations Forum on the Combating of Human Trafficking, held in Vienna in February 2008. The forum brought together 130 countries and 1600 concerned experts and non-government organisations.
The UAE also has a seat on the Guidance Committee of the International Initiative on Combating Human Trafficking. This committee continues to exerting efforts to continue the momentum achieved by the Vienna Forum, by presenting more initiatives, plans and programmes.
United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime
The UAE is signatory to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, which enhances international co-operation in combating crime.
Protocol of prevention, suppression and punishment of trafficking of persons, especially women and children
This protocol is supplementary to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, and supports mechanisms to enhance the international co-ordination of work to combat human trafficking against women and children in particular.
The Agreement of the Arab International Organisation for Social Defence against Crime
The UAE has also reached an accord with the Arab International Organisation for Social Defence against Crime, which enhances joint Arab efforts against crime.