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
Lebanon university strike threatens students’ futures As the Lebanese parliament is considering austerity measures that would see public wages slashed, the Lebanese University continues its open-ended strike, with students missing classes for weeks now. Lebanon
Should Iranian guild associations be brought closer together? Iranian guild associations are separately pursuing a multitude of labor actions, including strikes. While many have called for closer collaboration, it is unclear whether such a convergence would aid their cause. Iran
Istanbul's African community squeezed between small jobs, huge discrimination A new photo book highlights the bleak reality of Istanbul's African community in terms of employment and discrimination. Turkey
Palestinian workers might finally have labor courts to settle their cases The Palestinian Labor Ministry has agreed with the UN International Labor Organization to help establish competent courts to rule on employment and labor-related matters and disputes. Palestine
Iran continues to struggle to keep workers content The Iranian government, members of parliament, employers and labor activists have finally agreed on wage increases to alleviate the burden on workers. But much more remains to be done to shield Iranian workers from rising prices. Iran
New pact will open flow of Egyptian workers to Libya Egypt and Libya recently signed an agreement to cooperate on screening Egyptian laborers so more of them can enter Libya as the security situation is gradually improving. Egypt
Hundreds of Jordanians march toward capital demanding jobs As unemployment rates rise, youths from different parts of Jordan have begun marching to the Royal Court in Amman for sit-ins demanding job opportunities. Jordan
What lies in store for Tunisian government in wake of protests? Tunisia’s powerful labor union held a nationwide strike, threatening to escalate the situation and hold another strike in February. Tunisia
Why Iranian teachers are protesting Iranian teachers are raising their voices to demand better conditions both for themselves and their students, and the struggle is moving forward with both protests and engagement with the authorities. United States
Gaza’s public servants outraged at Hamas’ recent spending Recent documents were leaked to the media showing that Hamas spent more than $550,000 for the celebrations of its anniversary, which raised the ire of Gaza government employees who have not received their full salaries since 2013. Palestine
Shrinking pie causes intense struggle over wages in Iran Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the Rouhani administration is under pressure to increase salaries while facing the threat of spiraling inflation. Iran
