On November 24, 2024, the Cameroon Migrant Network (CMN)—a grassroots migrant-led organization advocating for the rights and dignity of African migrant workers—was honored to participate in a high-level engagement with former British Prime Minister Theresa May during her official visit to Bahrain. The meeting took place at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Expert Protection Center, located at LMRA Selah in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Mrs. May, a globally recognized champion against modern slavery and founder of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, met with key stakeholders working on the frontlines of migrant protection in the Gulf region. CMN, as one of the few African migrant-led groups represented, shared firsthand experiences of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers from Cameroon and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa in Bahrain and the wider Middle East.
Key Discussion Points:
The conversation addressed the systemic issues that contribute to modern slavery and human trafficking, especially within the Kafala (sponsorship) system which governs labor migration in much of the Gulf. CMN leaders and those of other advocacy groups present raised concerns about:
- Exploitative recruitment practices, including high fees charged by unregulated agents in countries of origin.
- Confiscation of passports and lack of freedom to change employers, trapping workers in abusive situations.
- Physical and emotional abuse, wage theft, and excessive working hours without rest days—conditions that often meet the ILO’s criteria for forced labor.
- Lack of access to legal recourse or mental health support, which fuels cycles of trauma and silence among migrant survivors.
CMN’s Advocacy:
CMN emphasized the need for stronger protection mechanisms, including:
- More accessible reporting channels for abuse.
- Collaboration with government institutions, embassies, and international bodies to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate victims of trafficking and forced labor.
- Expansion of pre-departure and post-arrival orientation for migrants to educate them on their rights and how to seek help.
- Community-based support systems to break isolation and provide peer-led advocacy and counseling.
The meeting also highlighted success stories where migrant-led organizations like CMN have intervened to rescue trafficked workers, support reintegration of returnees, and lobby for fairer labor practices.
Mrs. May commended the work of CMN and other advocacy groups present and encouraged continued grassroots mobilization, stating that the fight against modern slavery cannot be won without the voices and leadership of those directly affected.
This engagement marks a milestone for CMN’s visibility and influence on the global stage and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every migrant is protected, respected, and empowered—free from fear, coercion, or exploitation.
