UAE Human Trafficking

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), were human trafficking is a classic way to secure cheap labor, the value of humans is just as commodities. The UAE human rights activists are fighting an inconclusive battle against the regime’s failure to abolish the practice.

Amongst scores of human trafficking cases in UAE, a recent case where at least 96 Ugandan girls were intercepted in Kenya came under the spotlight. The girls, aged between 14 to 18, were being trafficked to the UAE as migrant labors.

The authorities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi anticipated suspicion in the transit of girls, hence they raised an alarm. The group of girls, from from Napak District in Karamoja sub-region, was barred from boarding their next flight to the UAE. They were subsequently transferred to the custody of Ugandan authorities in Busia.

Human trafficking statistics in Dubai have exposed record number of cases of human trafficking in the region. While it has emerged as a popular tourist destination, the phenomenon of forced prostitution and human trafficking in the Emirate, has become a new fad.

Several investigations by international bodies confirm human rights violations in the UAE, especially in case of women looking for jobs in the service sector. Trafficking, without proper paper work and legal formalities, force migrant women to work in massage parlors in the UAE.

Each year, thousands of Ugandans migrate to the United Arab Emirates seeking jobs as domestic workers and security guards. The Gulf country has turned out to be a human trafficking hub where contractors sell migrants to families that further sell them to countries in the Gulf through illegal mediums.

According to the records, over 140,000 Ugandan girls are currently working as domestic help in the Gulf, with majority of them being victims of human trafficking. While poverty has bound many of them to exploitation, some have even managed to escape with horrifying experiences of abuse by their employers.

Busia Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Paul Kalikwan said the girls were rescued by a cooperative effort with Kenyan authorities aligned with a campaign against human trafficking.

Patrick Lule, the Busia District Police Operations Commander affirmed the group of girls will be handed over to the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development that will facilitate their return to Uganda.

The UAE human trafficking racket has effectively established over the years under the umbrella of country’s regime, which despite assurances, has failed to bring the victims to justice.

Source — https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/96-UAE-bound-Ugandan-girls-intercepted-Nairobi/688334-5419806-irawgtz/index.html