Abolishing Systemic Labor Exploitation: Migrant-Led Change in Lebanon

Racial Equity 2030
Finalist
Anti-Racism Movement

Anti-Racism Movement's work will enable migrant worker-led community-building, advocacy, and activism to end migrant worker exploitation and achieve greater racial equity in Lebanon.

Last Updated: August 2023
Competition Participation
Racial Justice 2030
Racial Equity 2030
Subject
Ethnic and racial minority rights
  • Save the Children Lebanon
Current Work Location(s):
  • Lebanon
  • Lebanon
Priority Population(s):
  • Domestic workers
  • Immigrants and migrants
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • 8. Decent work and economic growth
  • 10. Reduced inequalities

Executive Summary

The Kafala ‘sponsorship’ system is used to import foreign labour into Lebanon and other states in the region. This system, which enables the oppression and exploitation of migrant workers, is often described as modern-day slavery. Under Kafala, migrant workers – mainly women migrant domestic workers working in households – are denied basic human rights, including the right to a minimum wage, safe living conditions, and the freedom to quit their jobs.

Anti-Racism Movement (ARM) sees migrant workers not as passive recipients of services, but as leaders and agents of social change. Through ARM's Migrant Community Centers, advocacy, community-organizing, and casework teams, migrant workers are supported to self-organize and lead efforts to end this structural racism.

ARM aims to enable grassroots, community-led change for the complete abolishment of Kafala in Lebanon - which would increase pressure for action throughout the entire region.

Organization Details
Lead Organization

Anti-Racism Movement

website: https://armlebanon.org/
Organization Headquarters
Lebanon
Organization ID
--
Number of Full-time Employees
501 to 1,000
Annual Operating Budget
< $1 Million
Type
Nonprofit

Charity, fund, non-governmental organization, religious institution, school, or other entity

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