26 September 2019 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan today signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Cooperation in Combating Human Trafficking.

The signing was held at the PH-UAE bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

Both Ministers lauded the historic document as an important step towards protecting migrant workers, especially the vulnerable groups who are victimized by organized syndicates. Both Ministers affirmed that “international cooperation and adherence to international standards and principles on combating trafficking will effectively minimize, if not totally eradicate, this abhorrent scourge to humanity.”

In a statement, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed the signing of the MOU that will bring together the agency point of contacts of both governments, and promote cooperation and assistance in the repatriation and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking. “This trailblazing document will provide a platform for a more regular and transparent information exchange and sharing of best practices on the prevention and protection of trafficking victims,” the DOJ said.

Further, the DOJ said that it cannot overemphasize the MOU’s significance as both governments commit to protecting human rights and ensure that the rule of law is respected in all jurisdictions.

As the implementing agency, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), also declared its commitment towards the fulfilment of the laudable objectives of the MOU and looks forward to working more closely with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana expressed her satisfaction in the signing of the MOU which she hopes will significantly help address the issues faced by irregular and undocumented Filipinos, especially household service workers, against labor or human trafficking syndicates. She added that this is the first agreement on human trafficking the Philippines signed with a Middle East country. Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana expressed her satisfaction in the signing of the MOU which she hopes will significantly help address the issues faced by irregular and undocumented Filipinos, especially household service workers, against labor or human trafficking syndicates. She added that this is the first agreement on human trafficking the Philippines signed with a Middle East country. END.