Migrant Rights in the Middle East

Jina and I just launched a new and important project. And I’ll have you know that this is one of the few, if not the only, campaign site about the serious issues regarding migrant workers in the Middle East.

Please visit it, and read about it here.

And if you have a blog, you may add a banner if this issue concerns you -

Since the site’s depressing, here’s something hilarious (and relevant) to cheer you up:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR3wGlRcUKo[/youtube]

PS – Thanks to Jina for both the design and the link to the video. Watch more of Russell Peters! He’s freakin’ funny.

Join the Conversation

Yaman

March 19, 2007 // Reply

Esra’a, this is such an important issue that gets so little attention from most people, including the human rights groups. It’s very good that you have started this campaign! I support you completely. Please let me know if there’s any way I can help.
Esra'a

March 20, 2007 // Reply

Thank you! We are looking for more writers there to get involved with us, so if you are interested in reporting some of the crimes being taken against these workers I will give you the info necessary to access the site.
Yaman

March 20, 2007 // Reply

Yes, please, I would love to do my part.
Esra'a

March 20, 2007 // Reply

Thanks so much for all your help and support with this. It’s very encouraging and it makes me want to take this project much further.

I just sent the info to you. Any contributions will be great. I need to dig up old stories to report as well since we can’t afford to forget about what happened to thousands of others whose cases weren’t given enough attention.
Layal (Bahrain)

March 20, 2007 // Reply

What an excellent website! You should definetly focus on what happens in Saudi Arabia. Many housemaids get sexually abused over there, and in many other gulf countries too. I heard of an old lady not providing food for the housemaid, and that was in Bahrain! Things are real ugly deep in the homes.

In yesterday’s newspaper there was a tiny little column about how an asian guy got beaten up by a young bahraini guy. they stated the asian guy was only ‘mildly’ hurt. the story was only two sentences, and they didn’t say of any charges being pressed against the guy. it infuriated me. it’s like they don’t care what happened to the asian guy; that they just wanted to fill up some empty space. i hope this website makes some sort of difference. And hey, if you need any sort of help, i’m there.
Jina

March 20, 2007 // Reply

Saudi Arabia. Many housemaids get sexually abused over there

Same goes for Bahrain.
Esra'a

March 20, 2007 // Reply

And the UAE, as the first story suggests.

Thanks Layal for your support. When I need something surely I will contact you.
Omar (Jordan)

March 21, 2007 // Reply

Esra’a, your efforts just amaze me with everyday passing! I don’t think anyone can thank you enough!

As for the project, I think it just hits a very crucial issue in the Middle East that everyone prefers to keep silent about! There’s a big issue with SriLankan housemaids in Jordan, we also have a serious issue with Egyptian migrants with some employers and most importantly with the Jordanian security forces, I will write to you if I ever managed to get a full story. Really, much appreciation to you
Esra'a

March 21, 2007 // Reply

Thanks Omar!

I posted an article about Sri Lankan maids who are abused in Lebanon, it’s quite heart breaking. I will post about similar things in Jordan.

I am mostly familiar with the cases in the Gulf since that’s where I live, I see a lot of it happening in front of me so it’s easy for me to grow passionate about this.

I know this initiative will grow bigger though, but only with the support of others! I encourage you all to discuss these issues in your own blogs and to alert me about it so I can post it on the site as well.

Thanks a lot.