That the Kingdom of Bahrain maintain the classification of the “first category” in the US State Department report on classification of countries in the field of combating trafficking for persons for the eighth year in a row; This means that there is a solid system that protects human dignity and preserves rights, based on a wise vision that was established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of the country, the most prominent country, may God protect and preserve him, and its impact was manifested with a constant follow -up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, may God protect him. This achievement also confirms that Bahrain is not satisfied with adhering to the criteria only; Rather, it develops legislative and institutional frameworks and preventive and protective practices that are applied to what is in place in many developed countries, as documented by the report, which is the most prominent annual international reference, where it monitors and evaluates the efforts of 188 countries, and classifies them in three categories, topped by the first category (Tier 1) for countries committed to the criteria for protecting the victims of trafficking Persons, the category that the Kingdom has has has since 2018.
The essence of Bahraini leadership is based on an integrated “system”, not on separate initiatives. Since the issuance of the Anti -Trafficking Law No. (1) of 2008, the development of the labor system and the inspection, and the enhancement of the consequences of legislation with international agreements, the Kingdom has accumulated practical tools to protect the groups that are most exposed to exploitation, and established clear paths for reporting, shadow and fairness. On the institutional level; The “Expatriate Labor Protection Center”, which was established in 2015, is highlighted as the first comprehensive center in the Middle East, which collects reception, accommodation and legal support, and works around the clock in several languages; This constituted a turning point in ensuring the arrival of the victims and potential victims to the highly specialized aid. This is supported by the “national referral system” that was launched in 2017, which is also the first system of its kind in the region, as it provides a framework for coordinating national efforts, and guarantees the identification of victims from the moment of suspicion until their reintegration or voluntary return.
In the work environment, the “wage protection system”, which is obligated to pay wages through licensed banking channels, was introduced, as well as the initiative to issue the International Banking Account No. (IBAN) for each expatriate worker; In order to enhance tracking, reduce conflicts, and raise financial transparency. A fund was also established to support the victims of trafficking in persons, and a library to protect the victims and witnesses, and the procedures for litigation and administrative shadow were facilitated for free; In order to ensure a facilitator of justice. The Kingdom also launched the “Regional Center for Training and Capacity Building in the field of fighting people’s trafficking” to rehabilitate the front rows in the police, the health sector, ports and the judiciary, and to graduate coach and experts according to approved criteria.
This achievement is the result of a joint work based on integrated efforts between the relevant authorities: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that documents the achievement and offers the Kingdom’s image in international forums; And the Ministry of Interior, which provides security shadow through monitoring, inspection and law enforcement; The Supreme Judicial Council, the Public Prosecution, and the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments who establish the rule of law and accelerate procedures; The Ministry of Social Development, which enhances care and empowerment for the first categories of care; The Ministry of Information and the National Communication Center that connects awareness messages in a language close to everyone; The Ministry of Labor and the Labor Market Regulatory Authority, which control the work environment and ensure the application of best practices. This effort is accompanied by an active presence of civil society institutions as a partner in prevention, awareness and monitoring, with permanent coordination with diplomatic missions and specialized international organizations.
Bahrain’s leadership in this file means assuming double responsibilities to move in an approach that is between attracting responsible investment and consolidating a safe, fair and highly productive work environment. And with the continued implementation of the national human rights plan and the development of the tools of protection, protection and fairness; The Kingdom of Bahrain proves that respect for human dignity is a state of state and society that is inspired by the values of solid and leadership that places the dignity of man at the heart of development.
