Judicial-Advocacy Workshop: Advancing Protection for Migrant Domestic Workers and Combating Human Trafficking

In a powerful convergence of legal commitment and human rights advocacy, Amel Association International, in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Justice, organized a specialized judicial and human rights workshop in Beirut focused on the protection of migrant domestic workers and the enhancement of mechanisms for identifying victims of human trafficking.

The event brought together a high-level audience of judges, legal experts, and representatives of civil and official bodies involved in human rights, including the Director General of the Ministry of Justice, Judge Mohammad Al-Masri, and Judge Ayman Ahmad, liaison officer at the Ministry. The workshop reaffirmed Lebanon’s legal community’s dedication to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable — particularly migrant women workers — in a context of increasing socioeconomic challenges.

Justice as a Pillar of Dignity

This initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration aimed at enhancing judicial capacities and modernizing legal tools in line with international standards. It also reflects Amel’s long-standing commitment, since 2011, to defending migrant workers’ rights through integrated programs combining psychosocial and legal support, professional empowerment, and direct interventions in trafficking cases.

Opening Remarks: Law Meets Humanity

Dr. Zeina Mehanna, board member of Amel, opened the session by highlighting the necessity of institutional cooperation between public and civil sectors to ensure meaningful protection for migrant domestic workers. She emphasized that effective anti-trafficking responses must begin with legal knowledge, monitoring tools, and inter-institutional coordination.

Judge Mohammad Al-Masri underscored the role of justice in safeguarding the most marginalized and stressed the need to reform domestic labor laws in ways that preserve human dignity. Judge Ayman Ahmad presented a detailed analysis of trafficking cases, identifying major legal gaps and calling for integrated collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil society.

A Moral Stand Against the Kafala System

In a powerful address, Dr. Kamel Mohanna, President of Amel Association International, asserted that migrant worker rights are not a procedural issue, but a fundamental humanitarian cause tied directly to dignity and justice. He condemned the kafala system as an inhumane practice, urging Lebanon to undertake deep legal reform that centers human beings in legislation and policy.

He reiterated that Amel sees itself not merely as an NGO, but as a human liberation movement, committed to combating all forms of injustice and promoting equal rights and social justice.

Discussion and Key Recommendations

The workshop concluded with an engaging discussion session during which participants shared experiences and evaluated current legal responses to trafficking. Final recommendations included:

• Strengthening the judiciary’s role in protecting migrant workers and victims of trafficking.

• Establishing a sustainable training framework between the Ministry of Justice, Amel, and civil society organizations.

• Standardizing referral and monitoring procedures across institutions.

• Launching a legislative reform process to abolish the kafala system and uphold migrant workers’ rights.

A Joint Commitment for Justice

Amel Association reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to working alongside the Ministry of Justice and Lebanon’s judiciary to institutionalize migrant protection as a human right, and to make justice and dignity a shared national priority — not a luxury, but a necessity.