Eight Years in Top Tier for Human Trafficking Efforts

The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has organised a national workshop to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, bringing together 102 specialists representing nine national and international organisations to discuss Bahrain’s efforts in combating human trafficking.

The workshop, titled “The Crime of Human Trafficking and Bahrain’s Efforts to Combat It,” was opened by Brigadier Abdulwahab Rashid Bu Nashi, Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Public Morals Department.

He highlighted that Bahrain’s achievement of maintaining Tier 1 status for eight consecutive years in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report was the result of continuous institutional efforts and cooperation among relevant authorities.

He noted that the ranking was not achieved through a single decision or by chance, but through daily coordinated efforts that reflect Bahrain’s advanced international position in combating human trafficking.

The workshop comes as Bahrain continues to hold its position as the first Arab country to achieve and maintain Tier 1 classification in the global report.

Brigadier Bu Nashi praised the efforts of the Chairman and members of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, stressing that cooperation among government entities reflects the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to protecting human rights and upholding humanitarian values.

Four Key Areas Discussed

The workshop focused on four main areas: legislation, prosecution, protection and prevention.

Participants highlighted Bahrain’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law No. (1) of 2008, which established the legal framework for combating the crime and led to the creation of the National Committee responsible for coordinating efforts among relevant authorities.

In the prosecution field, Public Prosecutor Abdulrahman Hamad Al Mannai highlighted Bahrain’s specialised approach in handling trafficking cases, noting that the Kingdom was among the first countries to establish a dedicated prosecution unit for such crimes.

He said the specialised approach helps ensure swift investigations, accurate legal procedures and protection of victims’ rights.

Judge Mohammed Hisham Mohammed Al Muawda from the Supreme Judicial Council also presented Bahrain’s judicial efforts in ensuring criminal justice, while Major Yousef Ahmed Jamal from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science discussed crime monitoring, investigations, handling reports and victim protection.

Protecting Victims and Preventing Crime

The protection segment reviewed efforts to safeguard workers and support victims through regulatory and monitoring mechanisms.

Saeed Abdullah Yateem, Director of the Protection and Grievances Centre at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), highlighted complaint mechanisms, victim support services and protection measures.

Representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the National Human Rights Institution also discussed labour protection and human rights perspectives in combating trafficking.

The prevention session focused on raising community awareness and the role of religious and social values in preventing human trafficking before it occurs.

International Cooperation Highlighted

The workshop also addressed Bahrain’s international partnerships and commitments, including agreements implemented by the Kingdom and cooperation with members of the National Committee.

First Secretary Hassan Saeed Abdul Aal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviewed international cooperation efforts, while Shahla Ahmed Badawi from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Bahrain highlighted the organisation’s partnership with the Kingdom.

The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science urged the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking through the hotline 555, stressing that early reporting is essential to protecting victims and that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality.

The workshop concluded with recommendations to strengthen coordination between national entities, expand public awareness campaigns, enhance the skills of specialised personnel and continue exchanging expertise with international partners to maintain Bahrain’s leading role in combating human trafficking.