Manama: Marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to combating this crime and continuing its efforts at the national and international levels to enhance cooperation and raise awareness of its risks and means of prevention, as one of the most serious forms of human rights violations and among the gravest offenses against human dignity and freedom.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Ali bin Fadhl Al Buainain, Attorney General, stated that the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom places the highest priority on combating trafficking in persons, based on well-established legal and humanitarian principles, in a manner that ensures legal protection for victims, safeguards their rights, and pursues perpetrators to bring them to justice.
The Attorney General affirmed that the Kingdom was among the first countries to establish a specialized prosecution for trafficking in persons crimes, reflecting Bahrain's awareness of the seriousness of this crime and its commitment to establishing a firm legal approach that criminalizes trafficking in all its forms.
He noted that the Kingdom has succeeded in establishing an integrated national system to combat trafficking in persons that brings together various official entities under the umbrella of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons. This has contributed to enhancing the efficiency of national performance, strengthening institutional integration, and coordinating efforts with relevant local and international authorities within an advanced security and legislative system.
The Attorney General added that these efforts have enabled Bahrain to retain its Tier 1 ranking in the annual United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report for several consecutive years, reflecting the international recognition accorded to Bahrain's experience and confidence in the Kingdom's commitment and leadership in this domain.
He said that the role of the Public Prosecution is not limited to investigation and prosecution, but also includes strengthening international cooperation through the exchange of expertise and information with judicial authorities in other countries, participation in regional and international conferences, forums, and specialized workshops, in addition to contributing to the development of legal frameworks in line with international standards and best practices.
The Attorney General also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness of the risks and indicators of trafficking in persons through awareness programs targeting various segments of society, particularly those most vulnerable to exploitation. He affirmed that prevention begins with awareness and proactive measures, noting that an informed society represents the first line of defense against this crime. This requires activating the role of the media, educational institutions, and civil society organizations in raising awareness and promoting a culture of protection and responsibility.
He affirmed that the achievements made in this domain embody the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to consolidate justice, equality, and the protection of human dignity, while placing people at the center of development and security. These efforts also reflect the strong and continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for developing the justice system and strengthening efforts to protect human rights in the Kingdom.
The Attorney General affirmed the Public Prosecution's commitment to continuing its role in combating this transnational crime by strengthening partnerships with national and international authorities, developing programs and activities to raise public awareness, updating early detection tools, and providing comprehensive protection for victims while supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These efforts contribute to building a safe society founded on justice and the protection of human dignity.