Human Trafficking Research Competition Opens

General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has opened registration for the National Research Competition on Combating Human Trafficking, following the announcement by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa during his address marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The competition aims to encourage researchers, academics and postgraduate students to conduct specialised scientific studies on human trafficking issues, while enriching Bahrain’s research resources with peer-reviewed studies addressing current and emerging challenges related to the crime.

It also seeks to provide decision-makers with reliable research findings that contribute to developing legislation, security measures and social policies, while strengthening cooperation between security agencies, academic institutions and research bodies in Bahrain.

The initiative reflects Bahrain’s efforts to maintain its leading position in combating human trafficking and preserve its classification among the top-tier countries globally in this field.

The competition is open to university researchers and faculty members, postgraduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, legal and security professionals working in relevant fields, as well as representatives from government entities, civil society organisations and other interested parties.

The competition covers seven key research areas, including:

• Development of Bahrain’s legal framework for combating human trafficking in line with international developments.
• Early detection mechanisms and investigation methods for trafficking crimes.
• Protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.
• The role of security media and community awareness campaigns.
• Cross-border trafficking crimes and regional and international cooperation.
• Emerging crimes linked to digital fraud and online trafficking.
• The role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in detecting and combating trafficking crimes.

Submitted research papers must be in Arabic, focus on one of the competition themes, demonstrate originality and scientific merit, and must not have been previously published or submitted elsewhere.

Researchers are also required to include practical recommendations supported by an implementation strategy or action plan. Individual and joint submissions by a maximum of two researchers will be accepted, with research papers limited to 40 A4 pages.

The competition offers financial prizes of BD1,000 for first place, BD700 for second place, and BD500 for third place, in addition to certificates of appreciation.

Participants must submit a research summary of up to 350 words in both Word and PDF formats, a brief CV of no more than one page, a recent personal photograph, an implementation strategy or action plan, and a signed declaration and undertaking form approved by the organising committee.

The deadline for submitting research papers and required documents is March 1, 2027. Submissions should be sent to the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science via email: cdfsadmin@interior.gov.bh.