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The ministry of labor announced in a statement yesterday that, as part of combating violations of the rights of migrant domestic workers, and based on investigations on reported cases of abuse, it has begun as of February 2019, to develop a blacklist with the names of employers that investigations prove to be involved in abuse and ill-treatment of MWDWs. Accordingly, the statement went on to say, the measure will ban them from using the services of migrant workers, noting that 7 names have been enlisted during the past 3 months. The ministry voiced concern over the repeated incidents of suicide among MWDWs in Lebanon, pointing out that it is scrutinizing each individual case, including legal follow up. The statement revealed that the labor minister, Kamil Abu Sleiman, has formed a committee to determine the motives and reasons behind suicide attempts and ways of reducing them. Recalling, that the total number of dead migrant domestic workers since January is 6 (https://bit.ly/2EHSuVS ). The statement stressed the need to include mental illnesses in the insurance coverage for MWDWs, and concluded by warning that the ministry shall bring violators to justice. (Al Mustaqbal, May 31, 2019)
 
 

The head of the National Commission for Lebanese Women NCLW, Claudine Aoun Rukuz, held a press conference yesterday to justify the draft bill prepared by NCLW and referred to the Cabinet recently. Recalling, that the said proposal has provoked anger for promoting discrimination against women https://bit.ly/2WtVDmd). Aoun said the law which draws a line between underage children and adults in terms of their right to get the citizenship does not discriminate between siblings! Instead, it takes into consideration the fears and concerns about state security, she said, adding, that countries experiencing political turmoil should take all necessary measures to find a proper solution to the problem. Aoun said one should differentiate between the natural right of the Lebanese woman to confer nationality to her children based on the principle of equality granted by the Constitution, and naturalization and permanent settlement. It is a matter of acknowledging the right of a mother to give nationality to her children. Justifying the deprivation of Lebanese women married to non-Lebanese from their right to confer citizenship to their children so as to not upset the sectarian balance, is not substantial, Aoun maintained. Figures confirm that the number of Lebanese men who register their marriages to non-Lebanese women largely outweigh the number of Lebanese women married to non-Lebanese, she explained. The current law promotes naturalization through mixed marriages between Lebanese men and non-Lebanese women who eventually receive the Lebanese citizenship, Aoun noted. It is urgent to highlight the important role the mother plays in imparting values, language and culture of her country to her kids. (Al Akhbar, May 30, 2019)

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My Nationality Campaign denounces NCLW proposed discriminatory draft bill
 

The Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Patisseries and Night Clubs yesterday handed the tourism minister, Avedis Guidanian, a copy of a report on food safety it prepared in coordination with GWR Consulting and Boecker. The report has shown that since the launch of the food safety campaign back in 2014 and until 2018, the sector’s indicator raised to 86% from 78%, which is satisfactory. The report also indicated an increased compliance with food safety standards and specifications, and a better awareness by consumers, workers in the industry and the entire food chain, resulting in fast-tracked success of the above campaign. (for the complete report, kindly refer to the link: https://bit.ly/2HHs0ph). Guidanian pledged to follow up the release of the executive decrees related to the food safety bill, pointing out that the Lebanese cuisine has extensively improved aided by said law. Consequently, Guidanian said, this contributes to attracting tourists, anticipating a promising tourism season compared to the past 7 years. The minister revealed that he visits restaurants on periodic basis to inspect the prices preventing any violations or manipulation of tourists to this effect. The minister also talked about the hotel occupancy fee approved by the state budget, stressing that it is an essential step for securing revenues for his ministry, as well as for the establishment of the tourism authority aimed to promote Lebanon’s image in the world. (Al Diyar, May 29, 2019)