17 human trafficking cases registered in 2013 — report

AMMAN — Seventeen human trafficking cases involving 71 victims were registered in Jordan 2013, according to a report released on Thursday.

The report indicated that 54 males and 27 females fell victim to the crime of human trafficking last year.

The Anti-Human Trafficking National Committee’s first report for the years 2009-2013 indicated that 12 human trafficking cases were recorded in the Kingdom in 2012, 29 cases in 2011 and 26 cases in 2010.

Statistics on human trafficking by type of offence in this period mainly involved forced labour of domestic helpers and labourers, sexual exploitation and cases related to children.

The report is a self-assessment of the procedures adopted by the Kingdom to combat human trafficking from 2009 to 2013 after the enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, according to the Anti-Human Trafficking National Committee.

“Jordan has accomplished much in this regard, however, there are a number of future challenges that must be addressed,” the report indicated.

The first challenge is continuing efforts to effect change in common societal beliefs, behaviours and stereotypes about forced labour and recruitment of workers, and employment in legal and illegal occupations against their will.

The second challenge is confronting the dangers posed by the mass influx of refugees to Jordan, which include the risk of increased rates of trafficking in persons, crimes for purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation.

Other challenges the country faces in its quest to combat human trafficking, according to the report, is providing financial resources for the establishment of shelters for victims as well as training judicial and law enforcement bodies to recognise the crime of human trafficking and its elements, and conducting periodic reviews of related legislation.

Also on Thursday, the Anti-Human Trafficking National Committee launched its website.

Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni, who heads the committee, said during the launch ceremony that victims of human trafficking crimes can now lodge their complaints via the website (www.ahtnc.org.jo), and authorities will investigate the reported cases.

Talhouni noted that combating human trafficking is a global and national responsibility, underscoring that the phenomenon is rapidly growing around the world.

Earlier this year, the Council of Ministers approved a decision to turn a Social Development Ministry building into a shelter for victims of human trafficking. The 2,000-square-metre ministry building is currently under rehabilitation for this purpose.

Jordan enacted an anti-human trafficking law in March 2009.

The Kingdom has also ratified the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its supplemental Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.