Manama, Bahrain – 30 July 2023. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) are proud to partner to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023. This day is of great significance, as we come together to reflect on the global responsibility to combat the crime of trafficking in persons. This year’s theme – “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind” – is a powerful call to action to extend protection and assistance to all those affected by or vulnerable to this grave violation of human rights. 

Leaving no one behind means ending the exploitation of trafficking victims, supporting victim-survivors once they are free, and reducing the vulnerability of identifiable groups to trafficking. National responses must be increased to effectively identify and help the millions of victims that go undetected around the world every year. Women and children remain most vulnerable to trafficking, although men and boys are trafficked as well. The most common forms of trafficking are forced labour, including domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.

IOM and the LMRA are concerned for the freedom and well-being of individuals who continue to be exploited or lack access to essential services. We call upon all stakeholders to raise awareness of and implement existing protection mechanisms in the Kingdom, including the National Referral Mechanism and anti-trafficking hotline 995 operated by the Expatriate Protection Centre (EPC). We also encourage potential victims to physically go to the EPC to seek protection or assistance whenever necessary.

Bahrain has shown an unwavering dedication to combating trafficking in persons through a multi-faceted approach encompassing prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. Key reforms have included instituting a Labour Registration Program, expanding the Wages Protection System, standardizing labour contracts with registered recruitment agencies, establishing a specialized Prosecution Unit dedicated to combating the crime of trafficking in persons, and capacitating frontline workers to identify and support potential victims. IOM and the LMRA will continue to collaborate to enhance counter-trafficking measures in the Kingdom. 

These efforts form part of Bahrain and IOM’s wider commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Global Compact for Migration, which aim to create the conditions for a world in which the rights and dignity of every individual are safeguarded. Today, let us envision a world free from the chains of trafficking in persons.