Manama, Bahrain - 5 October 2022. The international Organization for Migration (IOM) carried out a three-day workshop for frontline workers in collaboration with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain. This workshop marked the continuation of a training completed in July 2022, to capacitate frontline workers from various work sectors to identify and respond to potential situations of human trafficking. Participants represented airport security, labour inspectors, LMRA staff, medical personnel and shelter staff.

The LMRA launched the Regional Centre of Excellence and Capacity Building for Combatting Trafficking in Persons (RCoE) in 2021.

“We congratulate the participants of this workshop and encourage them to pass on the newly acquired knowledge to fellow staff members.” said Mohamed El Zarkani, IOM Chief of Mission in Bahrain. “It is essential for all frontline workers, in all sectors, to be trauma-informed and to protect potential victims from further harm,”

“This workshop concludes the third in a series of events conducted under the auspices of the RCoE.” said H.E. Nouf Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer of the LMRA, “The LMRA aims to engage with various staff to enhance the identification and referral of potential victims of trafficking, as part of Bahrain’s broader strategy to combat trafficking in persons. We look forward to further cooperation with IOM to expand the RCoE’s activities.”

The workshop, held from 2-4 October 2022, was completed in the framework of IOM’s partnership with the LMRA, under which IOM has been supporting the RCoE, through the development of training resources and Standard Operating Procedures to enhance identification and referral protocols, with the overall aim of supporting the Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

The participants of this workshop were equipped with the knowledge and skills to become trainers on trauma-informed approaches to assisting potential victims of trafficking. They explored the impact of psychological trauma on victims and practical approaches to adapting their interactions with potential victims, including through the application of Psychological First Aid (PFA).

IOM first opened an office in Bahrain in 2018 and has since maintained a close working relationship with the Government of Bahrain, through the LMRA, and remains committed to working to further prevent and respond to trafficking in the Kingdom and lead on innovative counter-trafficking approaches in the region and beyond.