PH, UAE sign MOU to protect women, fight human trafficking

FILE: PH & UAE reaffirmed close relations and discussed enhancing cooperation in security, defense, trade, investment, and consular matters. More than 700,000 Filipinos live in the UAE.. @teddyboylocsin @DFAPHL (Photo: PHMissionNY/Twitter)

MANILA– A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Combating Human Trafficking was signed on September 26, 2019 in New York City between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan signed the MOU at the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly.

Under the MOU, the Philippines and the UAE will adopt procedures to combat human trafficking, share best practices, exchange information, promote human rights, and provide assistance in the protection, rescue, repatriation, recovery, and rehabilitation of trafficking victims in accordance with domestic laws.

The signing of the MOU is also seen to further strengthen the bilateral relations and cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE.

Both countries have ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol).

The Philippines as a country of origin has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking. By forging international cooperation and arrangements, the Philippines hopes to intensify the government’s efforts to help prevent and stamp out this global problem.