New National Award to Drive Anti-Trafficking Research

Kingdom retains Tier 1 status for eighth year running; 84 victims protected in 18 months

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a national workshop and a series of high-level statements reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, as officials highlighted eight consecutive years at the top tier of global anti-trafficking rankings.

Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to combating human trafficking through regional coordination, modern technology, and artificial intelligence, marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today.

The minister said Bahrain’s record in the field reflects directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He also announced the launch of a new scientific research award dedicated to combating human trafficking, aimed at encouraging national studies into the crime.

Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Labour and Minister of Legal Affairs stated that Bahrain’s progress in combating human trafficking reflects its continued efforts to develop legislative and regulatory measures and strengthen institutional coordination through the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, reinforcing the sustainability and effectiveness of national efforts.

He said the occasion underscores the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination at the national, regional and international levels, expanding the exchange of expertise and best practices, and supporting joint efforts to combat this cross-border crime.

Steps Up Anti-Trafficking Fight

The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science held a national workshop entitled “The Crime of Human Trafficking and the Kingdom’s Efforts in Combating It,” attended by 102 specialists from nine national and international bodies.

Opened by Brigadier Abdulwahab Rashid Bunashi, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Public Morality Protection Department, the workshop covered four pillars: legislation, prosecution, protection, and prevention.

Speakers included the Head of Public Prosecution, Abdulrahman Hamad Al-Mannai, who highlighted Bahrain’s distinction as one of the first countries to establish a specialised human trafficking prosecution office. Judge Mohammed Hisham Al-Maawda represented the Supreme Judicial Council, while Major Yousef Ahmed Jamal addressed crime detection and victim protection on behalf of the Directorate.

70 reports, 84 victims protected

Statistics from the Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate show 70 reports were handled between 2025 and the first half of 2026, with 84 victims protected and legal action taken against 92 suspects.

Bahrain has maintained its Tier 1 classification in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report for the eighth consecutive year — the first Arab country to achieve and sustain the ranking.

Digital threats top this year’s global theme

This year’s UN theme — “Trafficked on the Dark Web: Exploiting Technology for Human Trafficking” — was highlighted by multiple officials, including Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) CEO Nibras Mohammed Talib.

Talib, who also chairs the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, said Bahrain’s national strategy rests on five pillars: prevention, victim protection, law enforcement, international partnerships, and coordinated national policy.

The Foreign Minister praised Bahrain’s integrated legislative and judicial system, pointing to the region’s first specialised trafficking prosecution and court, the Centre for the Protection and Support of Migrant Workers, and established victim referral mechanisms as benchmarks for the wider region.

Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh said the achievement reflects the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s laws and institutional frameworks under royal leadership.