Protect the human rights of migrant workers in the Middle East

For too long, migrant workers have been an invisible majority in the Middle East. They are rarely discussed in the media and receive little protection from the governments of host countries, many of whom have no clear policies for safeguarding their welfare. Please join our struggle for migrant rights in the region: http://www.migrant-rights.org


Video made by: Eric Epstein http://najork.net/
Written, Researched & Voiced by: Esra'a Al Shafei http://www.migrant-rights.org
Original Music: http://skeletonsuit.com/
Hand-drawn Animation: Jaron Eugene Newton http://jaron-eugene.blogspot.com/
CG Elements: Zach Shukan http://shukanimator.com/

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Middle East
• activism
• gulf
• migrant rights
• expat workers
• human rights
• migrant workers
• PSA
• animation

[ofri75]

Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East are not keeping basic human rights. In Saudi-Arabia women cannot walk alone, vote, or drive... Christians and Jews canot worship (or they will go to prison) and people who go against Islam are executed. In Iran woman who cheat their husband or even suspected are sentenced to death by stoning. In countries like UAE, Qatar only 30% of the population are citizens!

The only country in the Middle east that gives full human rights to all is ISRAEL.

[MEYmedia]

@ofri75 Much to your dismay, Israel has a proven record of abuse against migrant workers which we have covered extensively on the Migrant Rights site.

[rania8est]

that's only one side of the story .... what about the maids who kill women and children and what about the drivers who Rape women ??? and don't forget the stealing ..... they are not angels too

[MEYmedia]

@rania8est No, they are not all "angels," because they are human beings. Human beings make mistakes. Should we deprive them of their human rights simply because some of them commit crimes? Should we ban Kuwaitis and Bahrainis for existing because some Kuwaiti and Bahraini people commit crimes? The argument is not exactly logical, the majority of migrant workers are still deprived basic rights, and denying them such rights is still legal in our societies. This enslavement is wrong.

[moho1000]

great veido , but Im a little upset about some of what you said ,, cuz its not all true !!

Im from SaudiArabia and we have 2 mades and 1 driver and we treat them very nicely so its not fair to say that they are all abused or treated badly ..

and I know more than 20 families that all have mades and treat thim very nice ..

[MEYmedia]

@moho1000 Thanks for your input! However we did not imply that this is the case for all domestic workers, but the indubitable case remains that the great majority of migrant workers within the Middle East suffer severe discrimination. The narration is based on personal and factual observations, many of which are documented on the website Migrant Rights.

[meathena]

What a beautiful call to action. Thank you for speaking up for the rights of others!

[ana80020]

am a maid my mployer is from middle east..but am bless enough because theyre good to me..that everyone say am lucky..am witnissing abused from anyone around me..maids accused in stealin wihtout proof because the madam of here is jealous or doesnt like here..lock the freez u will eat in what they want u to eat..ur not allowed to talk to anyone,u doesnt have the right to answer cause ur just a maid.almost work for 24 hrs no day off..bless them!!

[yogustavo12]

I'm glad someone is stepping up and putting their foot on this issue. I have long witnessed several occasions of unjustified racism and abuse to immigrant workers in the middle east (Kuwait, UAE, Qatar). Not only caused by the citizens themselves but also partially the government (police) as well.

[CreepyLizard]

A problem to athiests in Bahrain certainly is present, but it's hardly for the atheistic government as much as it's for the Islamist-loving population within the Sunni and Shiite sects in Bahrain - All in all it is generally safe to live a secular life for anyone in Bahrain - Challenges are present and this is why some of us are here to fight them

[CreepyLizard]

@ofri75  1. There already is a Jewish Synagogue in Bahrain. 2. I say it out loud all the time. I operate the blog and the government probably knows about it. It's not blocked, no one cares. 3. Yes. I eat pork all the time. Yes. I drink all the time. Yes. We have over 100 nightclubs, leading Manama, the capital of Bahrain into being ranked as the 8th most Sinful city in the world on Askmen. 4. Kissed before. This part's based on the elected district representative. Any more questions?

[ofri75]

@CreepyLizard - really? can you say out laud that you're an atheist? Can you say in the Bahrain Television, or radio or newspaper that you DO NOT believe in Islam, and that Islam is wrong? Can you eat pork in Bahrain, drink wine, go to clubs, kiss a girl (in the street, in public) or build a Jewish Synagogue..?

I dont think so.. I respect you, but your conutry is not letting you be completely free. You should admit it

[CreepyLizard]

@ofri75 And I'm personally enjoying my life as an atheist in Bahrain without a problem. Thankfully

[CreepyLizard]

@ofri75 "christians and Jews canot worship (or they will go to prison) and people who go against Islam are executed." The only country that bans the freedom to practice other religions is KSA, in countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon ect - Churches are widely present. As well as Hindu temples, ect 2 Non-Muslims are in the parliament on Bahrain regardless of being a minority. The ambassador of Bahrain in the United States is Huda Nono, a Jewish Non-Muslim Bahraini woman

[ofri75]

@MEYmedia - Israel is not perfect - but is rated as number 1 in human rights in the Middle East!

[Teato0o]

@ofri75 "In countries like UAE, Qatar only 30% of the population are citizens!" How is the even related to human rights? UAE is a well developed country.

Oh Israel? Really? Well... I agree... Because you know? Testing chemical weapons, that are illegal even worldwide by the UN, on people is completely not violating humans rights. And killing hundreds for literally no reason is even more innocent. God bless your mind.

Oh, and 2 countries do not make the perfect example for Islam.