1st June 2011, Geneva;The Maldives Ambassador to Geneva, H E Ms. Iruthisham Adam has reiterated the Maldives commitment to fight human trafficking. In a statement during the interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Traffickingat the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Maldives Ambassador outlined the challenges faced by the Government and underscored the commitment of the Government to fight trafficking across its border.
Recalling that the Maldives was slated on the tier 2 watch list by the US State Department report on Trafficking in Persons last year, the Ambassador informed the Special Rapporteur that the Government is now approaching the matter in an integrated manner based on a comprehensive Counter Trafficking Action Plan.
"The Plan is based on the three pillars of prosecution, prevention and protection," said the Ambassador. She further stated that "the point of departure [of the Plan] is a full review of existing legislation and development of a comprehensive legal framework that would hold traffickers accountable and afford legal remedies to the victims". She also elaborated that preventive measures such as effective border control are being discussed with bilateral partners.
In concluding her statement the Ambassador announced the Government's efforts to become a member of the International Organization for Migration and its intention to accede to the UN Conventionon Transnational Crime and UN Protocol on Trafficking in Persons.
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