The Ewaa Shelters for victims of human trafficking were established within the framework of the UAE’s efforts to combat human trafficking and support human rights, and to provide safe refuge and support to victims of human trafficking.
The first Ewaa shelter was opened in Abu Dhabi in 2008 to receive women and children victims of human trafficking. The second shelter, receiving male victims, was opened in 2013. More shelters are expected to open in other emirates to expand the work of this initiative all over the UAE.
Ewaa shelters are non-profitable establishments working in co-operation with the UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), under Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 (amended by Law No. 1 of 2015), which considers human trafficking as a crime subject to legal penalties.
Vision: To become a global leader in rehabilitating victims of human trafficking and participate in achieving a society free from all forms of human trafficking crimes.
Mission: To protect victims of human trafficking in all emirates through providing temporary safe shelters, and preventing human trafficking in the UAE by raising awareness in the society to achieve peace and security.
Objectives: The shelters have strategic objectives, which are in line with national plans to fight human trafficking crimes, while providing full support and protection to the victims of this phenomenon. Our main objectives are:
- To provide immediate and long-term support to victims of human trafficking
- Establish and maintain effective coordination with relevant stakeholders
- Increase society’s awareness about the existence of human trafficking victims
- Build up capable human capital and capacity
- Deliver excellence in organisational performance