The United Arab Emirates has finally passed a law prohibiting the use of under-18s as camel jockeys.

Under the 5 July law, offenders face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of at least 50,000 dirhams (US$13,614). This is a significant step on an issue which has had little movement over the last decade. In May, the Government also signed an agreement with UNICEF pledging US$2.7 million to help the return and reintegration of child camel jockeys in their countries.

It admitted that 3,000 children were being used as camel jockeys, 2,800 of whom are under 10, it said. In April the UAE Government called on camel owners to release underage jockeys; some have been returned to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Using children under 15 as camel jockeys has been an offence in the UAE under various laws since 1980. Since then, the Government has failed to implement laws to stop the practice. In the United States' recent 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report, the UAE was dropped to Tier 3, reserved for the worst offenders. It is hoped the new law marks a change in its stand against the abuse.