Migrant domestic workers in Lebanon have been pushing to form the first labor union in the Arab world after being subjected to beatings and rape.
Migrant Workers in Lebanon
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A map from the Migrant Community Center showing the country of origin of those who attend its courses. The most migrant workers come from Ethiopia, while thousands also arrive from Bangladesh, the Philippines and Sri Lanka every year. (John Owens/VOA)
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Rahel Zegeye serves lunch to her employer, with whom she has a good relationship. Many others are not so fortunate, with suicide rates high among domestic migrant workers. (John Owens/VOA)
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An Ethiopian who moved to Lebanon more than a decade ago, Rahel Zegeye is keen to see the union expand. (John Owens/VOA)
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More than 300 migrant workers attended the launch of the union in January. The government subsequently declared it ‘illegal.’ (John Owens/VOA)