NIHR Chairperson's Statement on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July, the Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), Eng. Ali Ahmed Alderazi, affirmed that trafficking in persons is among the gravest human rights violations, as it entails the exploitation of individuals and constitutes a serious assault on human dignity and freedom in its various forms. He stressed the need to continue strengthening national and international efforts to prevent this crime, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable through a human rights-based approach founded on respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Eng. Alderazi noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made significant progress in establishing a comprehensive national framework to combat trafficking in persons through the development of legislation, the strengthening of institutional frameworks, and enhanced cooperation among relevant national stakeholders, in line with its international obligations and international best practices. He further highlighted that Bahrain's continued placement in Tier 1 of the U.S. Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report for the eighth consecutive year reflects the effectiveness of the Kingdom's national policies and demonstrates its sustained commitment to strengthening prevention, protection, and accountability mechanisms, while safeguarding human dignity and protecting human rights.
The Chairperson also commended the announcement by His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, regarding the launch of a Scientific Research Award in the field of combating trafficking in persons. He described the initiative as a qualitative step that will encourage specialised research and studies, promote the use of innovation and scientific knowledge in developing national policies, strengthen institutional capacities to combat this crime, and support the utilisation of modern technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance anti-trafficking efforts and improve the protection of victims.
