S.G., a promising footballer from his homeland, encountered a man posing as a football agent. The agent promised a trial in Africa leading to Europe, convincing S.G. to pay and travel. However, he ended up ensnared in a trafficking ring.
His dream of playing professional football in Europe soon turned into a nightmare. Now, after enduring years of hardship, S.G. has dedicated his life to fighting human trafficking. He even holds an Anti-Human Trafficking Diploma from Dubai Police.
The ordeal began when a supposed sports agent approached him with a seemingly golden opportunity: a contract with an African club as a stepping stone to European football. Eagerly, S.G. gathered his savings, crossed deserts, and pursued his dream. Upon arrival, he discovered there was no club. The “agent” was part of a trafficking network.
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“They forced me to work for them under threats and beatings,” S.G. recounted. “I had to guard and transport women they exploited. I once tried to escape, but they caught and brutally assaulted me, warning they’d kill me if I tried again.”
Aided by a sympathizer, S.G. successfully escaped on his second attempt and returned home. Encouraged by a friend in the UAE, he moved to Dubai and found work with a private security firm at an airport.
While settling into his new life, his employer nominated him for the Anti-Human Trafficking Specialist Diploma, through a program by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, Dubai Police, Dubai Judicial Institute, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Despite his traumatic past, S.G. completed the course and authored a paper on Border Control Procedures to Prevent Human Trafficking. His recommendations included training for border officers, enhancing agency cooperation, and public awareness initiatives.
He highlighted the need for support mechanisms for trafficking victims, ensuring access to medical, social, and legal assistance. Moreover, he advocated for robust border controls, including biometric technology, risk assessments, profiling, and inter-agency collaboration.
“The diploma enriched my understanding of trafficking and allowed me to share insights with my colleagues in the security sector,” he stated. “Awareness and knowledge are vital preventive tools, helping identify signs and protect potential victims.”
The UAE has made significant progress in combating human trafficking. In 2023, the Cabinet enhanced laws, increasing victim services like education support and safe repatriation. Legislation also toughened penalties, criminalizing incitement and heightening sanctions.
The UAE’s comprehensive strategy against human trafficking includes prevention, trafficker prosecution, survivor protection, and international cooperation. The nation operates shelters, raises crime awareness, and enforces penalties, with a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and at least five years in jail for offenders.
