Bahrain retains Tier 1 Status in US Trafficking In Persons Report for sixth year
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain yesterday achieved a significant milestone by retaining its Tier 1 position for the sixth consecutive year in the Trafficking In Persons Report released by the United States.
Tier 1 is the highest classification for countries that have taken steps to prevent human trafficking. The report published by the Department of State was released by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Dean Acheson Auditorium at the US Department of State.
As the only Middle Eastern nation featured, the report also stands as a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting victims. In contrast, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are listed in the Tier 2 category, while Egypt, Iraq, and Kuwait are under Tier 3.
The report also sheds light on the issue of fraudulent recruiters exploiting vulnerable young women in sub-Saharan Africa through social media platforms for Gulf.
These recruiters, the report say, deceives them by promising employment opportunities as teachers, charging hefty recruitment fees for fake passports and visas.
The victims incur debts for airline tickets—often preventing them from leaving their trafficking situation—are forced to work for long hours in inhumane conditions, and experience physical and sexual abuse by their traffickers.
Overall, the ranking classifies 188 countries from around the Globe into four tiers -- Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 “watchlist” and Tier 3 -- in terms of actions in preventing trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting traffickers.
Releasing the report, Blinken stressed the urgent need to address trafficking in persons as it “harms our societies, weakening the rule of law, corrupting supply chains, exploiting workers, fuelling violence.”
“Its purpose is to showcase successful efforts to prevent trafficking, to identify areas where countries are falling short and have more work to do, and ultimately, to eliminate trafficking altogether,” he told a ceremony marking the release of the 2023 report.
He further stressed the commitment of the United States to combat human trafficking terming it as an attack on human rights and freedoms. Such actions, he said, violates the universal right of every person to have autonomy over their own life and actions.
The report also recognises the United States of America in Tier 1 ranking alongside the United Kingdom and 29 others. During the ceremony, Blinken also honoured the 2023 TIP Report Heroes, individuals from diverse stakeholder communities around the world.
Justice and fairness for victims
The report has acknowledged the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring justice and fairness for victims of trafficking and sheds light on the significant steps taken to combat trafficking and promote a more just society.
First public prosecution office
One notable achievement highlighted in the report is the establishment of the first public prosecution office dedicated to handling cases of trafficking in persons.
This office plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting such crimes. Additionally, a dedicated court has been allocated to handle cases referred by the prosecution, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling trafficking offences.
Witness protection
The Kingdom's efforts to protect witnesses and victims of trafficking have also been commended. The report highlights the establishment of an office for the Protection of Witnesses and Victims of Trafficking in Persons, which serves as a vital point of contact with the Public Prosecution.
Assistance to workers
Addressing illegal practices in the labour market is another significant area of focus for Bahrain. The report further acknowledges efforts to provide administrative assistance to workers registered in the Approved Labour Registration Centres by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
This assistance includes facilitating the filing of civil lawsuits, ensuring that workers have recourse to seek justice when their rights are violated. Bahrain's commitment to capacity building and training programmes is also recognised in the report.
Preventive measures have also been highlighted in the report, including the implementation of the Wage Protection System. This system mandates that all employers pay wages through an electronic system promptly, safeguarding the rights of workers and reducing the risk of exploitation.
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