Health issues
Health poses a crucial challenge to immigrants in GCC countries, one of them being Bahrain, because of some factors. However, access to healthcare is of significant concern as migrants often find it difficult because of the costs, lack of services, or language barriers. Migrants often work in low-paid jobs without health insurance, and it is often impossible to afford healthcare. However, cultural differences and the need for healthcare awareness can add to this, making it even more difficult.
Besides, living and working conditions impact health. GCC nation migrants dwell in labor camps or substandard housing, and the spread of infectious diseases and mental health problems is much more likely. Another aspect that can lead to poor health is terrible working conditions, such as long hours, lack of rest breaks, and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Also, the migrants may face discrimination and social exclusion that can cause stress and psychological disorders. Similarly, the lack of legal protection for the GCC countries’ migrant workers may result in their vulnerability to health risks.
Human Rights Violation
In Bahrain and other GCC countries, prejudice, misuse, and denial of fundamental freedoms are common. Problems with race, gender, immigration, and sexuality limit healthcare and job opportunities (Human Rights Watch 2021). Concerns exist about prison torture and maltreatment. A report generated by Human Rights Watch suggests that In Bahrain, there is a significant repression of peaceful protests and unchecked torture (Human Rights Watch 2021). Amnesty International documented physical abuse by officials and denial of medical services as cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of prisoners. These reports indicate a global human rights trend that requires local government action.
These violations worsen social inequalities, increasing disparities among marginalized groups. For instance, girls are not accorded equal access to education, thereby perpetuating poverty cycles and gender inequities (UNESCO, 2023)—systemic racism results from racially biased practices within the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, human rights abuses and threats to health & safety are interconnected with social justice issues in Bahrain and the GCC countries. Therefore, Holistic changes and partnerships are indispensable in addressing these disparities so that societies become healthier and, thus, more fair-minded for every person.
Recommendation
Several solutions can be developed to deal with the health problems of immigrants in Gulf countries like Bahrain. First, providing healthcare access by making migrants aware of available services and cutting off barriers like language and legality status requirements is mandatory. This can be attained through community health outreaches and community health workers. Next, occupational health and safety standards should be improved in industries that hire migrant workers to reduce injuries and diseases related to work. It involves compliance with existing regulations and providing training on workplace safety. Also, dealing with social determinants of health like housing conditions and availability of fresh water and sanitation helps to achieve better overall health outcomes for migrants. In addition, developing cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in the health facilities can diminish the stigma and improve the care offered to the migrants.
Secondly, the challenge of human rights violations calls for comprehensive reforms both at national and international levels. Government must make and enforce laws that protect individual rights while punishing those who violate them. Nations must have a robust judiciary system and extend legal aid to disadvantaged persons (United Nations, 2015). Putting money into education schemes and campaigns to enlighten people’s minds about discrimination is an approach to exclusionism. Therefore, the involvement of international bodies in addressing root causes through collaboration with governments and civil society organizations is essential if long-term remedies are to be found.
References
Hamade, M. A. (2020, January 20). How can the GCC’s health systems adapt to a changing world? World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/healthcare-reforms-are-gathering-pace-in-the-gulf/
Human Rights Watch. (2021, December 14). Bahrain: Events of 2021. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/bahrain
UNESCO. (2023). Key data on girls’ and women’s right to education. Unesco.org. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/key-data-girls-and-womens-right-education
United Nations. (2015). Access to Justice – United Nations and the Rule of Law. United Nations and the Rule of Law. https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/thematic-areas/access-to-justice-and-rule-of-law-institutions/access-to-justice/
McMaughan, D. J., Oloruntoba, O., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic Status and Access to Healthcare: Interrelated Drivers for Healthy Aging. Frontiers in Public Health, 8(231). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00231
Mohammed, A. (2021, January 7). Labor Inspections in Bahrain: Inadequate and Inefficient. Migrant Rights. https://www.migrant-rights.org/2021/01/labour-inspections-in-bahrain-inadequate-and-inefficient/
World Health Organization. (2023). Universal Health Coverage. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1
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