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
Iran factory workers demand wages as strike enters 16th day Demands by striking workers at a troubled sugar plant in Iran's southwest remain unfulfilled, with several protest leaders being kept in police custody. Iran
How Palestinian workers in Israel stand to benefit from new payment regulations Come January, many Palestinians working in Israel will see big changes in how and how often they are paid. Palestine
Social security law leaves Palestinians less than secure The Palestinian social security law will soon go into effect despite mass protests expressing grievances. Palestine
Dozens of Turkish airport workers jailed after protest A labor protest demanding better conditions and a safer workplace at Istanbul’s controversial new airport, due to open in six weeks, lands 24 workers in jail pending formal charges. Officials say they are provocateurs seeking to sully one of Turkey’s grandest infrastructure projects. Turkey
Egypt to invest in restoration of war-torn countries Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly recently issued a decree to form an action group aimed at investing a great deal of effort in the reconstruction of five Arab countries. Egypt
Kuwait seeks Palestinian teachers Kuwait has signed 158 contracts with Palestinian teachers from Gaza and the West Bank to work in Kuwaiti schools, part of a two-year-old initiative that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education plans to make an annual undertaking. Kuwait
US sanctions put nearly half a million jobs at risk in Iran’s auto parts industry Auto parts suppliers in Iran warn that US sanctions coupled with domestic mismanagement are bringing their industry to its knees. Iran
Egypt holds labor union elections amid accusations of government interference While labor union elections kicked off in Egypt for the first time in 12 years, activists accused the government of trying to control the outcome by excluding certain candidates. Egypt
PA staff in Gaza shortchanged all over again Palestinian Authority employees in the Gaza Strip still haven't seen their salaries from April and received only half of their May paychecks, affecting not only their bank accounts but also the Gaza economy. Palestine
The growing power of Tunisia's labor union As the Tunisian General Labor Union works to achieve the demands of Tunisian employees, it faces accusations of overpowering the government. Tunisia
Egyptian companies pledge to stand behind Sisi’s promises to the disabled The Egyptian government and the private sector are working to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Egypt
Iran raises minimum wage in concession to workers Iranian laborers are set to receive an almost 20% increase in the minimum wage in a concession from the authorities. Iran
