World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is 'haram' Qatar’s human rights record is under scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup, particularly regarding the treatment of LGBTQ people and laborers. Gulf
Turkish mine disaster sends blame flying In the wake of an explosion that killed 41 miners, several Turkish bodies are trading blame for safety failures in the coal industry. Turkey
Health of Turkey’s plastic waste workers under threat as European imports grow A report by Human Rights Watch finds Turkish authorities are not enforcing a law to protect vulnerable workers and local residents from toxic fumes. Turkey
Jordan accuses teachers union of 'economic crimes' in crackdown Activists claim Jordanian government is applying "defense laws" to suppress dissent during economic downturn. Jordan
Egyptian expats in Libya fall victim to political differences Egyptian workers in Libya have been repatriated after being detained and subjected to torture in Libya, which caused a national outcry in the streets and at the political level. Originals
Report: Child soldiers deployed to Libya by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army An exclusive report, citing sources on the ground in Syria and Libya, says Syrian teenagers are being sent to Libya to take part in the civil war there. Syria
Israel under coronavirus: Economic straits revive social protests In the spirit of the wave of social justice demonstrations in 2011, Israelis in desperate economic situations due to the coronavirus outbreak are taking to the streets of Tel Aviv. Israel
Africans in Istanbul victims of unemployment, red tape "We love it," say many members of the African community in Turkey, but add that there are few jobs — at least for them. Turkey
Lebanese migrant workers celebrate despite turmoil A celebration of solidarity and resilience held for migrant workers in Beirut, amid economic crisis and political turmoil. Lebanon
Africa encourages its youth to become entrepreneurs The UN Development Program, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa organized the African Economic Conference, shedding light on jobs and entrepreneurship for a better future in the continent. Egypt
PA seeks to protect rights of Palestinians working in Israel The Palestinian government is taking measures to end permit brokerage, which can cost job seekers half their salaries to work in Israel. Palestine
Is Middle East's young labor boom blessing or curse? By 2040, the Middle East and North Africa will see a sharp increase in young people who enter the labor force, which could lead to disaster if areas like education aren’t improved. Lebanon
Hamas raises $100,000 for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon Hamas’ recent fundraising campaign in the Gaza Strip to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon received mixed reactions from Gazans. Palestine
Palestinians reject Lebanon's move to regulate foreign labor The Lebanese Ministry of Labor is cracking down on foreign workers to ensure they have valid work permits, which has raised the ire of Palestinians there who say the move will affect their status as refugees. Lebanon
