Vienna/ Information Office/ 18 October 2016/The State of Qatar confirmed that it has sought to strengthen its legislation and policies to combat human trafficking, and issued in this regard, Law No. (15) of 2011 on combating human trafficking, which included the criminalization of all practices covered by the definition of trafficking persons contained in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. This stance stems from Qatar's strong belief in the importance of the preservation of human dignity, and in fulfillment of its obligations under the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime as well as other relevant international obligations. This came today in a speech delivered by HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations and International Organizations in Vienna Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, before the eighth session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime under chapter 2-B. HE Ambassador Al Mansouri said that Law 15 of 2011 ensures the protection of victims and witnesses, adding that Qatar has established a judicial system for monitoring human trafficking crimes, illegal immigration and victims protection. It has also formed committees to coordinate efforts between various state institutions and civil society, he added. He stressed that the Human Trafficking is an international issue and a cross-border crime that affects all regions of the world. This shows the importance of and the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation in order to support national efforts and capacities to combat all forms of human trafficking and to protect victims. He noted that the State of Qatar was among the first countries which contributed to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for making donations to the victims of human trafficking, established in 2010, announcing the new donation of $100 thousand as a contribution to the Fund's future projects. It is important to strengthen regional and international coordination, cooperation and exchange of information to provide assistance and awareness about the risks and causes of these cross-border crime, HE Ambassador Al Mansouri said.