Kuwaiti-Emirati Cooperation to Combat Human Trafficking

Decree No. 113 of 2026 was issued in the Official Gazette “Kuwait Today,” approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the State of Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Justice (the Permanent National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, regarding cooperation in the field of combating human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”). The articles of the decree stipulate the following:

Article One: Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the State of Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Justice (the Permanent National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, regarding cooperation in the field of combating human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”), signed in Kuwait City on June 3, 2026, with its text attached to this decree.

Article Two: The ministers shall, each within their respective competence, implement this decree, which shall enter into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Memorandum of Understanding states that the Government of the State of Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Justice (the Permanent National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties,” recognizing the importance of cooperation between the competent authorities of the Parties in combating human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”); and acknowledging that human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”) results from a convergence of multiple factors, including organized crime groups and demand factors that fuel all forms of exploitation of persons, leading to various manifestations of this crime; and recalling the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (the Palermo Protocol); and aiming to enhance aspects related to the prevention of and protection against human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”); and recognizing the necessity for the Parties’ concerted efforts to establish specific frameworks for bilateral cooperation in combating crimes of human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”); and affirming the Parties’ conviction regarding the need to enhance cooperation concerning mechanisms to combat this crime, consolidate values of justice and a shared vision, and contribute to the exchange of expertise and best practices regarding the operational systems for combating crimes of human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”), the Parties have reached the following understanding:

Article 1: Definition of Human Trafficking (“Trafficking in Persons”)

The Parties agree that the definition of human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”) shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (the Palermo Protocol).

Article 2: Scope of Cooperation

The Parties shall, within the limits of their respective competencies and for the purpose of implementing this Memorandum of Understanding, cooperate in the following areas:

1. Exchanging best practices in combating human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”).

2. Holding meetings between the Parties to discuss areas of cooperation and work to enhance efforts to combat human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”).

3. Exchanging skills, knowledge, and expertise related to the prevention of and awareness-raising against human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”), and supporting research and studies in this field.

4. Exchanging information related to national legislation concerning the combating of human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”) and the protection of its victims.

5. Working on building the capacities of national personnel in the field of combating perpetrators and prosecuting them, protecting victims, and transferring national expertise in this regard.

6. Working on exchanging information regarding emerging criminal methods in the field of crimes of human trafficking (“trafficking in persons”).

7. Other forms of cooperation agreed upon by the Parties during the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Article 3: Points of Contact

In implementation of the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding, the points of contact shall be as follows:

1. For the State of Kuwait: The Ministry of Justice – The General Secretariat of the Permanent National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants.

2. For the United Arab Emirates: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

Article 4: Confidentiality of Information and Intellectual Property Rights

The Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of the contents of this Memorandum, or any information that may arise during its implementation, and of any information made available to them in connection with the implementation of its provisions, and not to disclose it to third parties without obtaining written consent from the other Party. Each Party shall also respect copyright and neighboring rights, as well as intellectual property rights owned by the other Party or by third parties.

Article 5: Interpretation of the Memorandum of Understanding

Any dispute that may arise regarding the interpretation and/or implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be settled between the Parties through diplomatic channels, via consultations and negotiations.

Article 6: Expenses

Each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses arising from the implementation of the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding.

Article 7: Final Provisions

1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force from the date of receipt of the final notification by which one Party informs the other Party, in writing and through diplomatic channels, of the completion of the necessary national procedures.

2. This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended in writing by mutual agreement of the Parties at any time, and such amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph one of this article.

3. This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in force from the date of its entry into force, unless one Party notifies the other Party, in writing and through diplomatic channels, of its intention to terminate it at least six months prior to the date of termination.