Delegation of Canadian Navy visit Eiwa'a shelters

Abu Dhabi, Feb 28, 2013 (WAM) - A delegation of the Canadian Navy has recently visited Eiwa'a shelters for victims of human trafficking here and expressed admiration for the unique experience of the UAE in this field of humanitarian services. The crew of the Canadian ship "Toronto" have offered donation to the shelters as well. The amount came from a humanitarian initiative in which they collected currencies of all the countries they visited with the aim of donating them to charity. The crew were on a visit to the UAE to participate in the Naval Defence Exhibition (Navdex), which was held in Abu Dhabi last week as part of to the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2013). They were received by Sara Suhail, Executive Director, Eiwa'a, and Maitha Al Mazrouie, Director of Development and Follow-up. During the visit, which was organised in coordination with the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the crew have hailed the role of these shelters in providing a safe haven for victims of human trafficking. They praised the efforts dedicated to provide victims of these crimes, especially women and children, with health care, psychological, social and legal support. Sara Suhail confirmed that the shelters, which operate under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, are the first step towards providing human trafficking victims with all the care they need. "The first centre was opened in Abu Dhabi. Then it is followed by other shelters in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah in 2010 with the aim of facilitating procedures related to human trafficking issues," she noted. She explained that the UAE is at the forefront of countries in terms of the efforts it pays to combat human trafficking and promote human rights. "The UAE," Suhail added, "has launched an extensive campaign against human trafficking in 2006 with the issuance of Federal Law No. 51 criminalising human trafficking." - Emirates News Agency, WAM