In a new international achievement added to the Kingdom of Bahrain's many achievements in the field of combating trafficking in persons, the Kingdom has maintained its leading international position of achieving the first category for the seventh year in a row in the US Department of State’s report on the classification of countries in this field.
On this occasion, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking and Protection of Public Morals Colonel Abdulwahab Rashid Bunashi at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain maintained its position in the first category for combating trafficking in persons for the seventh year in a row in the recently issued annual report of the US State Department, which is considered a result of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which reflect the continuous efforts made by all parties in the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by the Ministry of Interior, to reinforce human rights values without discrimination due to religion, language or race. The achievement also reflected the instructions of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and his continuous support to the Directorate, also noting the follow-up of the Chief of Public Security and the continuous encouragement and support of the Director-General of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science.
He explained that the efforts of the Directorate of Anti-Human Trafficking and Protection of Public Morals are continuing, as statistics indicate that during the past year 2023, the Directorate received a total of 50 reports, while it received 17 reports during the first five months of the current year 2024.
Colonel Bunashi commended the efforts of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons and thanked all its members for their positive cooperation, which contributed to this international achievement. He also thanked Directorate of Anti-Human Trafficking and Protection of Public Morals personnel for their dedication in performing their tasks and outstanding efforts in the field of combating trafficking in persons in cooperation and coordination with the competent agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Information Affairs, the Public Prosecution, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the police stations and other concerned authorities regarding receiving reports and exchanging information to combat trafficking in persons. In addition to the extensive presence of Research and Investigation personnel and to continuous cooperation with international organisations through extensive attendance at meetings, conferences, seminars, lectures and workshops, the Directorate launched several campaigns through various media means to educate the public.
The director of Anti-Human Trafficking stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s achievement ensures that all parties in the labour market obtain their full rights, noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s maintenance of this international level over a period of 7 continuous years reflects the sustained efforts and international confidence in Bahrain’s endeavours to address the practices of trafficking in persons.
Director of Anti-Human Trafficking and Protection of Public Morals indicated that an e-mail address (555@interior.gov.bh) was recently launched in addition to the hotline (555) to report any issues or complaints around the clock related to combating these crimes in order to activate community partnership and ensure speed response and take legal actions while ensuring confidentiality.
