The impact of trauma and victimization on a trafficking survivor’s health and Bahrain was in focus at a key webinar. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bahrain organized a webinar as part of events to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The webinar entitled “Raising Awareness on Victim-Sensitive and Trauma-informed approaches as a Central Pillar of Counter-Trafficking and Protection Efforts”, discussed the impact of trauma and victimization on a trafficking survivor’s health and behaviour and how countries can better integrate victim psychology in their policies in caring for trafficking victims.

The webinar was held under the auspices of Chief of Mission of IOM Bahrain Mohamed El Zarkani and Chief Executive of the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and Head of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Committee Ausamah bin Abdullah Al Absi.

“Bahrain stands firm, with our partners UNODC and IOM, shoulder to shoulder alongside the rest of the world in combating Trafficking in Persons, not just on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, but every day of the year” tweeted Ausamah bin Abdullah Al Absi.

The webinar shed light on the impact and consequences of trauma and victimization on a person and a corresponding framework and principles in dealing with trafficking victims. Philippine ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver stated that trafficking cases re not only law-enforcement issues but require addressing the psycho-social effects of the victims.

IOM Bahrain Chief Zarkani outlined the plans for the establishment of a centre for Regional Excellence Programme in Bahrain in collaboration with CEO Al Absi of the LMRA.

Ambassador Ver sees this an initiative that will further enhance the protection of OFWs in Bahrain and the GCC and at the same time an opportunity for the Philippines to share and learn inputs in its fight against Trafficking in Persons.

SOURCE: ALBILAD