Labour Minister’s message on World Day against Trafficking in Persons

29-07-2023

H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) said that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made considerable progress in promoting an integrated human rights system. This achievement stems from the firm approach of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in establishing the principles of human rights and preserving human dignity in order to enshrine the rule of law and public freedoms and promote the values of equality among all, foremost of which are workers' rights and combating trafficking in persons. This came in a statement by the Minister of Labour on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's celebration with the countries of the world of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30 of each year, according to a decision by the United Nations. In this context, Humaidan pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain has addressed the crime of trafficking in persons and has achieved global achievements in this regard by maintaining its leading position in the first category in the US State Department's report on the efforts of countries in the field of combating trafficking in persons for the sixth consecutive year. He clearly indicated that the institutional efforts in Bahrain are continuing to address this phenomenon, which the international community seeks to control and eliminate because of its flagrant violation of human rights. The minister stated that in addition to the achievements made in addressing trafficking in persons, Bahrain has implemented many initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the protection of society from this scourge. This is evident through the adoption of the Wages Protection System, the optional insurance system for domestic workers, the flexible work permit, the tripartite contract for domestic workers and the fight against forced labour, and the establishment of a shelter that provides integrated services to persons who may be subjected to abuse or exploitation, including the provision of security protection, medical and mental health services, legal advice and providing humanitarian and financial assistance and means of support to victims of trafficking in persons through various programs. Equivalently a specialised prosecution has also been allocated for trafficking in persons and a special court has been formed for them to expedite the decision of these humanitarian cases. H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, concluded his statement by reaffirming the continuation of translating the royal directives in consolidating noble human values in coexistence between the various components by launching more initiatives that contribute to the development of an integrated human rights system. The Minister of Labour pointed out that thanks to the wise leadership of the King, Bahrain has become praised by specialised international organisations and has become a role model in the field of care and preservation of human rights.