A Gambian domestic worker, identified as Awa Jarjur, was alleged to have been killed in Lebanon by her employer.

The Gambia based Network of Girls Against Human Trafficking announced the tragic incident today. In a Facebook post, the organisation wrote:

“It is sad to announce the sudden death of our beloved sister who is in Lebanon Awa Jarjur. We can’t stop our tears. It is said that she was killed by her Arabian boss.  May your soul rest in perfect peace Awa.

“We the network of girls against human trafficking will definitely fight for our rights and freedom in these Arabic countries. Let’s put our hands together and fight human trafficking.”

The organisation which was formed by victims of human trafficking aim at fighting the scourge of human trafficking in the Gambia and supporting victims in their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Lebanon and most of the Arab countries have a bad reputation for the maltreatment of foreign domestic workers. According to pro-migrant activists in Lebanon, two migrant domestic workers die each week in that country.

Recently, an Ethiopian domestic worker known only as Lembibo, was found dead in a swimming pool at the home of her recruitment agent. The authorities made no arrest over the 26-year-old’s death.

“Lembibo is not the first migrant domestic worker to die in mysterious circumstances and for nothing to happen,” said Rahaf Dandash, coordinator at the Migrant Community Centre in Beirut.

“Racism is so entrenched in the Lebanese community and we just don’t want to talk about it.”

An estimated 200,000 migrant domestic workers, from Ethiopia, Gambia, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Nepal live and work in Lebanon. They arrive in hope of earning money to send back to their families at home.

Reports of non-payment of wages, deprivation of movement, and physical and sexual abuse are widespread, and dozens run away from their employers every week.