WUNRN
KAFA - Lebanon - http://www.kafa.org.lb/
LEBANON - ON
WORKERS' DAY 2013, MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS DEMAND THE END OF SPONSORSHIP
SYSTEM
Beirut,
April 28, 2013 - Although domestic work is still not recognized as real work
both legally and socially, this year again migrant domestic workers celebrated
Workers’ Day and demanded to be treated equally to other workers and that the
sponsorship system,[1][1] which deprives them of their basic human and labor
rights, be abolished. In continuation of
the campaign “Fi Shi Ghalat” (Something is Wrong) with the sponsorship
system for migrant domestic workers in Lebanon” launched two months ago by a
group of non-governmental organizations, hundreds of migrant women and men
marched today from Ein El Mreisseh to Sanayeh garden in Hamra, together with
the organizing associations[2][2], and many other supporters. They marched to express
their refusal of keeping workers under the mercy of the sponsorship system in
In Sanayeh
garden, migrant women continued the Workers’ Day celebration by presenting
traditional and cultural songs and dances, performing a play produced for the
occasion and cooking traditional dishes from their countries of origin.
During the festival in Sanayeh, a speech was given on the behalf of migrant domestic workers, especially in the name of “those could not join our celebration here today; not because they didn’t want to, but because a system says that someone else can forbid them from going out of the house.” The speakers added, “In reality this system deprives migrant domestic workers from their right to rest and have a day off. This is the same system that deprives migrant domestic workers from their right to quit or change their job and to move and travel freely”, and concluded “Domestic workers, Lebanese and international organizations, trade unions, and activists, have come together to demand change! The road is still long, but seeing how much we have accomplished so far only gives us a sign: That our hope is growing and that justice will prevail.”
