The tragic case of Ethiopian migrant worker Alem Dechasa, who committed
suicide this week, has once again shone light on the shameful neglect
of basic human rights in Lebanon.
Dechasa was seen being beaten and forced into a car by a Lebanese man,
in footage released last week. She killed herself Wednesday morning
while undergoing psychiatric treatment in hospital, and her embassy is
now pressing charges against the man, who was last week arrested before
being released without charge.
The world community does not judge a country on its scenery and its
culinary excellence alone, and the Lebanese people, who are so rightly
proud of their nation and its history, must now confront the fact that
racism in this country is real, and has serious, tangible effects.
There are an estimated 200,000 migrant domestic workers in Lebanon
today: people who have come here to do menial work which the Lebanese
don’t want to do, in order to send money back home and provide a better
life for their families.
As a people, the Lebanese should be the first to realize the necessity
of emigration, with millions of them having left this country over the
last few years to seek a better life and to help their relatives back
home.
The appalling treatment of migrant workers in this country, and the
corrupt and archaic systems which govern their labor conditions, are now
increasingly discussed in Lebanese media and society, but the time for
talking is over.
Lebanon is not alone in the region in its shameful record of treating
migrant domestic workers as some sort of underclass, but the issue has
become a complete blight on our nation, and fully negates any positive
statement made about the country’s respect for human rights and dignity.
And while undoubtedly the kafala, or sponsorship system, which excludes
domestic workers from the standard Labor Law, needs to be overhauled,
Lebanon also requires an eradication of the attitudes which lead to such
racist practices.
The Lebanese people, who pride themselves on their often progressive
attitudes, their civilization and their education, have got to confront
this disease, and fast: in politics, in society, in the media and on the
streets.
If this doesn’t happen soon, why should the rest of the world believe
claims that Lebanon respects human rights, when a whole group of people
are being continually treated as modern-day slaves?
That several countries have literally banned their nationals from
working in Lebanon should be a reminder of the stark reality of the
situation, and this country’s standing internationally.
thank you for posting this - it is indeed a horrific situation. migrant workers from ethiopia working in lebanon present the gross epidemic of abuse caused by the power inequalities between the global north and south. as a result, as is often the case, it is the women that suffer the abuse, mistreatment, exploitation and harsh conditions just to provide financially to their families back home.
ReplyDeletein trying to find a way to provide support/help - what is it that we can do? how can we support these women? if you know of any particular organization please do post the information.