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Trafficking of women. The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to comments made by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) in its communication of 20 August 2003 concerning the trafficking of women for the purposes of forced prostitution. The ICFTU referred to a 2002 report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) concerning trafficking in persons from Azerbaijan, where the UAE was identified as one of the key countries of destination. The report described a number of individual cases and provided evidence which indicated that trafficking of women (not only Azeris, but also Russians, Georgians and other nationalities) into the UAE is a significant problem. The cases documented in the report indicate that trafficked women were subjected to violence, forced prostitution and restrictions on their freedom of movement and communication. The report noted in its conclusions that the authorities in the UAE make no distinction between prostitutes and victims of trafficking, all of whom bear equal criminal responsibility for involvement in prostitution; as a result, trafficked persons are not treated as crime victims and are not supported and protected.

The Committee notes that in its reply the Government expressed its concern about this phenomenon and willingness to address it through collaboration with the international and regional bodies concerned. It also notes the Government’s indications concerning the measures taken to discourage potential traffickers and to give extensive training to officials in naturalization and residency administration.

Referring to its 2000 general observation concerning trafficking, the Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on measures taken or contemplated, both in legislation and in practice, to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation, indicating, in particular, measures taken or envisaged to protect the victims of trafficking. Noting also the Government’s reference to penal provisions punishing the crimes of abduction, deprivation of liberty, enslavement and incitement to prostitution (sections 341-346 and 347 of the Criminal Law), the Committee would appreciate it if the Government would provide information on the application of these provisions in practice, in connection with punishment of those responsible for trafficking in persons, indicating measures taken to ensure that penalties imposed are really adequate and strictly enforced, as required by Article 25 of the Convention, and supplying copies of the relevant court decisions.