UAE NATIONAL TRAFFICKING COMMITTEE CHAIR ON UAE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001272 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP - AMBASSADOR MARK LAGON, MARK TAYLOR STATE FOR DRL, NEA/RA, AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV ELAB AE SUBJECT: UAE NATIONAL TRAFFICKING COMMITTEE CHAIR ON UAE TIP ACTIONS REF: DUBAI 411 ¶1. (SBU) On July 29, Ambassador spoke with UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs (and Chair of the UAE's Human Trafficking Committee) Anwar Gargash to follow-up on her June 21 session with him (reftel) and to inquire about reports of a new women's shelter opening in Dubai. Gargash stated that he had chaired the third meeting of the Human Trafficking Committee on Monday, July 23. Gargash said his focus was in improving the coordination of efforts by the federal and local level governments. He wanted to ensure that Ras Al-Khaimah, Al-Ain, and Fujairah were properly tracking and reporting statistics on trafficking, for example. He said that he was also working on setting up workshops for law enforcement, health providers, and social services and working with the Ministry of Interior to provide training on TIP issues. The Committee had also reviewed new regulations. ¶2. (SBU) Gargash confirmed that a new shelter would be set up in Dubai under a new foundation for the protection of women and children recently launched by Dubai Ruler/UAE VP and PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. He added that the site had been identified, but that the shelter was not yet operational. He also welcomed the possible September visit of G/TIP Director Ambassador Lagon. Ambassador and Gargash also reviewed progress on the TIP action plan and the need to encourage increased TIP prosecutions and victim assistance efforts. SISON