WAM Dubai, 9th May 2012 (WAM) -- About 71.5% of respondents said they were conscious enough about different crimes of human trafficking while 41% affirmed their ability to identify such crimes, according to an opinion poll conducted by the Emirates Human Rights Association (EHRA).

Mohammed Al Hammadi, EHRA Secretary General, commented on the findings of the poll, saying human trafficking is one of the most dangerous transnational crimes that abuses human rights and has far-reaching social repercussions in many countries.

The survey, he said, was carried out by the EHRA's anti-human trafficking committee to measure the extent of awareness of community members - Emaratis and expatriate residents - about human trafficking issues and efforts being made by the State to combat the crime.

The poll said that 66% of respondents were found aware of efforts the UAE is making to combat human trafficking crimes, of the legal systems to prosecute involved traffickers and of the role of National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

Some 64% of those asked believed there were potential victims abused by traffickers due to their weakness and need for simple requirements of living.

Nearly 60% stressed the need for shelters to rehabilitate and support the victims while 59% said there were following news of cases related to human trafficking.

Approximately 40 % acknowledged the daunting challenges the UAE is facing to to eradicate the heinous crime.

Legally, 23% were in favour of handing out the most severe penalties on traffickers. Some 49% believed there were a delicate thin thread between crimes of human trafficking and prostitution. About 60% called for adequate psychological support for victims to help then re-integrate into their community.

WAM/TF