Urgent Call: IOM Should Open Shelters for Displaced and Stranded Migrant Workers in Lebanon

We need urgent intervention to ensure that an emergency shelter is set up by the IOM for stranded and displaced migrant workers and communities in Lebanon.

Call for Donations for Groups and Organizations Working with Marginalized Communities

Lebanon is at war, and marginalized communities need our help now more than ever. As an anti-racist organization, we're committed to supporting those often overlooked in humanitarian emergencies.

Mapping of Emergency Services Provided to Migrant Workers in Lebanon

This document serves as a resource hub for anyone responding to the needs of migrant workers in Lebanon following the Israeli escalation.

The Political Economy of Anti-Syrian Hate in Post-Crisis Lebanon

The Lebanese ruling class prevents working class solidarity by exploiting Syrian workers and spreading anti-Syrian hate. This report brings new insight to the plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

The Case of Abolishing All Honorary Consulates in Lebanon

For years, migrant workers in Lebanon have repeatedly expressed their frustrations with their diplomatic representatives, specifically, their honorary consuls. Their protests were only met with indifference to the workers' struggle and hardships of life under Kafala.

Building a Home, Building Solidarity | Annual Report 2023

2023 was unbelievably painful, terrifying, and deadly for our many communities. We experienced xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, with relentless attacks on migrant activists, Syrian communities, and LGBTIQ people.

Joint Statement: Lebanon Must End Practices of Refoulement and Torture

On the occasions of World Day for Refugees and the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we urge the Lebanese authorities to respect their international obligations and put an end to their practices of refoulement and torture.

Joint Statement: Cease the Forced Deportation of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

The Lebanese government must urgently and immediately cease the forced deportation of Syrian refugees and adhere to its international legal obligations.

Survey on the Perceptions of Kafala in Lebanon

In 2023, ARM took on a research project to try and discover how the economic crisis changed the perceptions of the Kafala system in Lebanon.

More Incitement Against, and More Fees for Recruiting Migrant Workers | News Report: February 2024

News reports in February 2024 highlight more incitement against, more fees for recruiting migrant workers, and concerning cases of abuse and exploitation.

From Narrative to Action: Stories of Racism-Fueled Demonization | News Report: January 2024

We opened up 2024 with disturbing stories of racism against migrant workers in Lebanon. From underreported murders to exploitative labor practices and biased media narratives, this report sheds light on the systemic marginalization, dehumanization, and violations that migrant communities face in the country.

Seeking Justice for Migrants in Lebanon

Since 2014, February 6th has been globally recognized as the "Global Day of CommemorAction", dedicated to commemorating and remembering the lives lost, those who have gone missing, and individuals forcefully disappeared at sea and borders worldwide. On this occasion, we urge the Lebanese authorities and international community to seek justice…

Anti-Racism Movement

Organizing with migrants for social, economic and gender justice in Lebanon.

About ARM

Anti-Racism Movement (ARM)

The Anti-Racism Movement (ARM) was launched in 2010 as a grassroots collective by young Lebanese feminist activists in collaboration with migrant workers and migrant domestic workers, following a racist incident at one of Beirut’s most well-known private beach resorts (Sporting Club).

ARM activists, using a hidden camera, filmed the administration’s blatant acts of discrimination and segregation. The video quickly spread online, and ARM’s efforts to bring this issue to light were lauded by many. Interest grew in this small volunteer-based movement, members increased, and our projects grew in scope and scale. In 2012, ARM became a registered NGO with full and part-time staff in order to increase its capacity to carry out more projects to fight racist discrimination and abuse in Lebanon.

Building on our philosophy that recognizes the importance of community-building work, ARM created the Migrant Community Centers (MCCs) which grew from one small center in 2011 in Beirut to centers in three major cities by 2016, in addition to a Sunday educational space.

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About MCC

Migrant Community Center

In 2011, ARM established the Migrant Community Centers (MCC) where migrant workers meet, organize, build alliances, and access information, resources, and direct assistance. MCC’s mission is to improve the quality of life of migrant workers, build their capacity to self-advocate and fight for their rights, and to contribute to a strong and powerful migrant community with women as leaders of change.

The spaces are centered around the needs of the migrant community (especially women migrant domestic workers) and serve as a hub for WMDW-led initiatives, advocacy, and activism. Up until 2020, MCC operated awareness, education, capacity-building, and community-building programs, which were either suspended or transitioned online after the centers were closed due to Covid-19.

Our Advocacy

Advocacy

One of the main focus areas since ARM was founded has been advocating on the ground with migrant workers and migrant domestic workers against the Kafala (Sponsorship) system. Our advocacy efforts and campaigns often complement our casework and aim to both react to urgent issues impacting migrants and address long-term matters that need to change in order to bring about radical and systemic change and justice for migrants.

Over the years, ARM organized several campaigns both online and offline, calling for the abolishment of Kafala, for reversing racist policies targeting migrants and refugees, and aiming to instigate societal change alongside migrant activists, MCC members, and non-migrant allies such as Lebanese activists and organizers and alternative media and journalists.

To inquire about this statement and the context, contact us at [email protected] Or fill out this form.

Our Casework

Casework

The Casework team consists of three caseworkers and a legal officer dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance to migrant workers on a wide range of issues. Our team is prepared to address cases involving labor violations, such as unpaid wages, abusive working conditions, and violations by recruitment agencies. Our casework staff handles cases related to forced labor, certain UNHCR interventions, missing persons, complaints against migrant workers, and clearance procedures.

Our primary objective is to support migrant workers by making information and resources as accessible as possible. We aim to strengthen and support migrant worker networks with the tools necessary to self-advocate. This involves counseling them on various legal matters and taking the lead in managing their legal cases according to the aforementioned criteria.

News

Our media monitoring efforts complement our advocacy work for the purpose of spreading accurate information on migrant workers and refugees to tackle misinformation, and to shift the dominant discourse that either portrays them either as helpless victims with no agency or demonizes them in scapegoating campaigns under Lebanon’s ongoing crisis.

Our communication work to that end entails giving interviews alongside MCC members to the media and to researchers, publishing a weekly news report that rounds up everything related to migrants and refugees, as well as a regular Racism Monitor in collaboration with MCC members and Akhbar Alsaha.

We strongly believe in the power of migrants to tell their own stories and influence the dominant narratives themselves.

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