LMRA launches centre to combat trafficking in persons

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Chief Executive Officer Jamal Abdulaziz Al Alawi launched the Regional Centre of Excellence for Capacity Building in the Field of Combatting Trafficking in Persons, as part of the strategic partnership with the United Nations Office for Drugs & Crime (UNODC).

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) and the Acting Resident Coordinator of United Nations Activities in Bahrain.

The centre launched its first programme that aimed to develop the capabilities of the inspectors at LMRA’s Preventive Inspection and Labour Inspection Directorates in the field of fighting against forced labour.

The programme was held on December 1-2. “In view of the pioneering experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Regional Centre of Excellence for Capacity Building in the Field of Combatting Trafficking in Persons is deemed as the house of expertise for combatting trafficking in persons,” Al Alawi said.

“The centre aims to further develop the available tools in order to ensure coping with crime developments and its multiple forms, in addition to fostering the capabilities of the workforce in line with the Constitution, national regulations and international conventions on respecting human rights.”

LMRA attaches prime attention to combat trafficking in persons, especially forced labour, he added. “Resorting to UNODC’s international intensive experiences, the workshop’s content was tailored to go in line with LMRA’s strategies, to facilitate the identification of the crime once it occurs, ultimately to better safeguard the rights of the victims and punish the perpetrators.

Training is essential to bridge the gap between work requirements and employees’ capabilities.”