Migrants and their families in Lebanon have been severely affected by the August 4 explosion. In addition to the people still missing, those who have been injured, and those who lost their lives, many have also lost their windows, walls, and valuable appliances. This effectively means that they lost their homes as most of them cannot afford any of the repairs required to make their homes livable again.
More than a week after the explosion that shook our city, we are still in shock and in mourning. Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives and livelihoods in this indiscriminate massacre of Beirut and its residents.
In 2018, we documented and addressed over 400 cases of labor exploitation, violence, abuse, detention, deportation, medical needs, mental health crises, needs for shelter, racial and gendered harassment, and refugee claims.
On September 13, the military court issued its verdict in the assault case of Kenyan migrant workers Shamila and Rose, and three of their attackers, two Lebanese men and one Lebanese woman.
Update: since this article was written, one of the Kenyan women assaulted is now
“Adesh, Adesh?” shouted the first driver in the line-up of five cars beside me. As I walked on the sidewalk, drivers shouted, “How much, how much?”
It is enough to look at the mistreatment of domestic workers, especially from Asia and Africa, to understand that Lebanon has a racism problem that goes beyond the discrimination of refugees.
An African couple, from Kenya and Nigeria, work in Lebanon and have been living in Nabaa with their child for the last 2 years.
At the Anti-Racism Movement (ARM), we are constantly working on a multitude of different activities and initiatives. Most of our activities are only possible with the help of dedicated and passionate volunteers who work in collaboration with our core team.
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.
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