New york: Nibras Taleb, Chief Executive Officer of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and Chairperson of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, took part in the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the Appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. Taleb emphasized Bahrain's dedication to combating human trafficking and its endorsement of the 2025 Political Declaration on the implementation of the UN Global Plan of Action.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Taleb outlined Bahrain's ongoing institutional approach to enhancing rights protection and establishing a comprehensive framework that aids in crime prevention and addresses all forms of trafficking. He also highlighted Bahrain's efforts to improve the work environment and combat human trafficking through a government-led, integrated institutional strategy. This approach aligns with Bahrain's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning the Kingdom as a model for rights protection.
Taleb detailed several initiatives such as the Migrant Workers Protection Centre, the first specialized comprehensive centre in the region. This centre offers preventive, advisory, and legal services, investigates potential trafficking indicators, provides shelter to victims, and operates a 24-hour call centre. He also discussed the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for potential trafficking victims and the development of a Wage Protection System in collaboration with the private sector.
Furthermore, Taleb affirmed Bahrain's dedication to raising awareness among migrant workers and employers, with guidance channels and advisory support from arrival through employment. Awareness programs are conducted in partnership with UN organizations to enhance understanding of rights and responsibilities. Efforts to train specialized national cadres are ongoing, with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to build capacity and enhance regional cooperation.
Taleb confirmed that these measures have boosted international confidence in Bahrain, maintaining its Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons report for eight consecutive years. He reiterated Bahrain's support for UN and international initiatives to combat all forms of human trafficking.