NEW YORK, Nov 26:  Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, on Tuesday reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states’ commitment to enhancing international cooperation to protect human dignity and strengthen criminal justice.

Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah made the remarks during a side event organized by the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations in cooperation with the GCC Secretariat and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly high-level meeting reviewing the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, held on November 24-25.

“The GCC states’ commitment will remain a cornerstone of global efforts to combat human trafficking,” Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah said, warning that the crime represents one of the gravest human rights violations worldwide. She noted that Kuwait’s current presidency of the GCC provides an opportunity to enhance collective action and protect vulnerable groups through innovative initiatives and broader regional and international partnerships.

Sultan Al-Suwaidi, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Legal and Legislative Affairs, reviewed member states’ legislative and institutional progress in combating all forms of human trafficking, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation with international organizations.

Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Siobhan Mullaley, commended the GCC countries’ efforts, urging their continuation and intensification to eradicate the crime, which she described as an “international threat.”

The event included interventions from all GCC member states and broad participation from regional and international organizations, highlighting the importance of coordinated action. A report detailing GCC efforts to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational organized crime was also launched.