29/07/2025
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29/07/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency in Kuwait, joins the global community in marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July. This year’s theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” highlights the urgent need to dismantle criminal networks and ensure comprehensive support for survivors.
In this context, IOM commended the State of Kuwait for its continued efforts and proactive measures to address human trafficking through a coordinated, victim-centered approach. Human trafficking remains a grave violation of human rights, affecting millions of people worldwide.
IOM is committed to combating this crime through a multifaceted approach encompassing prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. The State of Kuwait has demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling human trafficking through a comprehensive national strategy for 2025–2028. This strategy focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, implementing a national referral system, enhancing the capacity of enforcement agencies, and fostering regional and international cooperation. Kuwait has enacted robust countertrafficking legislation, including Law 91 of 2013, and continues to improve deterrence and enforcement. The establishment of a national referral system ensures that victims receive timely and effective support.
Specialized training is provided to law enforcement and relevant agencies to build their capacity to identify, investigate and respond to trafficking cases, while cross-border cooperation remains a key pillar of Kuwait’s approach. “On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we recognize the State of Kuwait’s leadership role in combatting human trafficking through its national strategy, legal reforms, and victim centered protection. The 2025 theme highlights the organized and harmful nature of trafficking. Continued collaboration among government, civil society, and international partners is essential to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure justice and support for survivors. IOM Kuwait remains committed to this mission,” said Mazen Aboul- Hosn, IOM Kuwait’s Chief of Mission.
The fight against trafficking must be anchored in training and coordination. Law enforcement, immigration officials, healthcare workers, and consular staff must be able to detect signs of trafficking and respond with a victim-centred approach. These national efforts are further amplified by Kuwait’s leadership at the regional level. The successful hosting of the Sixth Government Forum to Combat Human Trafficking in the Middle East held earlier this year demonstrated Kuwait’s commitment to advancing protection and justice for victims of trafficking.
