Manama: The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed the second-phase agreement to support the Regional Training Centre in Combating Trafficking in Persons, covering the period from 2025 to 2028. This initiative aims to bolster Bahrain's efforts in addressing human trafficking and enhance both national and regional capacities in line with international standards.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreement was signed by Nibras Talib, CEO of LMRA and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, alongside Aishath Ihma Shareef, Head of IOM Mission in Bahrain. The agreement is expected to strengthen cooperation between Bahrain and international bodies like IOM to establish the nation as a leading regional model in victim protection and capacity-building through the Regional Training Centre.
Talib emphasized Bahrain's dedication to advancing its anti-trafficking initiatives by leveraging international expertise and partnerships. He noted that the second phase aims to build on the success of the first by implementing new specialized training programs and developing practical tools to address various forms of human trafficking. The new phase will focus on expanding capacity-building initiatives, adapting training curricula for a broader range of beneficiaries, and preparing materials for frontline workers. It will also involve developing e-learning modules and conducting awareness workshops to raise awareness among private sector employers on trafficking prevention.
The agreement outlines the design of a professional diploma in combating trafficking in persons, the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess performance and long-term impact, and the promotion of regional and international cooperation through high-level technical and social events.
Aishath Ihma Shareef expressed pride in the partnership with LMRA, highlighting the success of joint programs in training, knowledge dissemination, and developing national expertise. She emphasized that the new phase reflects the shared commitment of Bahrain and IOM to continue promoting a culture of combating trafficking in persons while respecting the rights of all parties.
The first phase of the agreement included four key components: designing training curricula, preparing certified trainers, standardizing operational procedures, and conducting awareness workshops. It targeted national cadres from 17 frontline entities across six main sectors, including health, aviation, criminal justice, inspection, media, and shelter. This resulted in the certification of 87 trainers through 444 training hours, the production of 14 training modules in Arabic and English, and awareness training for nearly 500 employees through 49 workshops.