Sierra Leone’s Matennah Sawanah is facing significant challenges amidst the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The 33-year-old previously earned about $300 per month working at a hotel in Sidon, a city on the Mediterranean coast. Following the hotel’s closure due to Israel’s bombing campaign, Sawanah now finds herself unemployed, sharing a cramped apartment with 24 other women while struggling to afford basic living expenses.
Impact of Conflict on Migrant Workers
The situation for migrant workers like Sawanah has become dire as warfare intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people and displaced more than one million individuals in recent weeks.
Migrant Workers in Crisis
- Approximately 24 million migrant workers live across the Arab world, with many located in Lebanon.
- Some migrant workers have been reported injured or killed due to airstrikes.
- Fear and uncertainty dominate their daily lives as they grapple with ongoing threats from bombings.
Mustafa Qadri, founder and CEO of the labor rights organization Equidem, highlighted the struggles of these workers. Many are unaware of how to access bomb shelters, amplifying their sense of vulnerability. Despite these challenges, Sawanah is committed to supporting her fellow migrant workers. She believes that once conditions improve, she will seek employment again to provide for herself.
Assistance Efforts for Displaced Individuals
In response to the escalating crisis, officials are intensifying their efforts to assist all individuals displaced by the violence. Mortada Mhanna, the head of the disaster unit in Tyre, stated, “We are treating all displaced people the same. A displaced [person] is a displaced [person], regardless of his identity.”
This approach aims to ensure that each person affected by the violence finds shelter and access to essential needs, regardless of their background.
