"In a country of untold wealth, where many live an Arabian dream, many more live an Arabian nightmare."
It's quite an opening line - and it's reflects the in-your-face but clever attitude of the hippest Middle East civil rights initiatives: Mafi Wasta (loosely translated, as the site indicates, as "zero influence").
The site leads a grassroots campaign to get the UAE regime to sign onto the International Labor Organization's conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association. That basic right is denied in the UAE (and many other Gulf states) today and thus prevents workers in the UAE from forming unions. And given that a good 66+% of the UAE are non-citizen workers, it means depriving most of the people living in the country a basic right.
Aside from being a worthy cause, the site - which features a petition you can sign - is also a fun read with its snarky tone. Here's a taste of the FAQ from the "About Us" section:
...That’s not very radical?
Maybe not, but we don’t think smashing up a Starbucks outlet in Dubai is going to do anyone, least of all the people we intend to help, any favours.
Plus you’d probably get thrown in jail for smashing up a nice coffee shop.
Exactly.
Did I not read somewhere that they were considering ratifying some international labour laws anyway?
Well spotted. They are said to be considering it under pressure from the US and the WTO (who have allowed them to be members since 1996 despite their appalling labour laws and dodgy human rights record).
So what's the point of this site then?
Well a) they haven't done it yet and b) even if they finally do, that doesn't excuse what has gone on here for over 30 years. If nothing else this site serves to highlight the abuses that go on. We also think it important that the companies who operate here, far from the gaze of a critical media, are exposed for their complicity in allowing hundreds of south Asians to be trampled underfoot in this oil-funded free-market stampede. Their fancy codes of ethical conduct aren't much in evidence out here.
What's your mission statement?
Excuse me? We’re not planning to orbit Venus.
Yes but you need a mission statement. Everyone’s got one these days.
Well we don’t. Don’t believe in them.
But if you had to do one what would it be?
Well if it'll shut you up...
What are you waiting for? Click the link and go check out Mafi Wasta already.
Yeah I spotted this website through someone's blog from the UAE, and it got me thinking that this is not just an issue there, but all across the Middle East I believe... the way Asian workers are treated is scandalous, particularly domestic workers, they don't get days off, they are completely under the control of the family, and they don't get to be active in their community and have a social life of their own; for the most part.
Well, thanks for reminding me of this issue.. I guess I should go rant about it on my blog ;)
Posted by: Lina | February 17, 2006 at 08:39 AM
You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about half an hour. I am a newbie and your post is valuable for me. these practices are unfair; but they say that most of their rules are only to apply to people who overdra.
Posted by: Creative Recreation | August 17, 2010 at 03:31 AM
Yeah, this is really bad the way Asian workers are treated in Dubai and other states of UAE and I think that major reason for this is that there are not too much active organizations there to safeguard the basic rights of workers over there.
Posted by: Dubai property | August 23, 2010 at 01:04 AM
One particular is at all times on a peculiar street, viewing weird surroundings and listening to weird music. Then a person day, you wil locate that the stuff you attempt tough to overlook are aleady gone.
Posted by: Nike Shox NZ | October 13, 2010 at 11:43 PM
However, the dressings used and atmosphere created for this season will dictate whether this works for your restaurant, cafe or bar - or not.
Posted by: wholesale hats | March 25, 2011 at 08:33 AM
pepe jeans uk is ideally suited for people,particularly for some sub-standard components of unquestionably the body. The pepe jeans Online are made of the high quality material, which is famous for the world. And the brand is known for the fashion. pepe jeans jeans Online Are Made Of top grade Material,Cheapest pepe Bootcut Jeans are provided in our website. If you want to buy the pepe jeans for men , you can send the Email to us, we will give you the best service.You can choose any style from pepe jeans shop . You can select the pepe Straight Jeans Sale, which is your most best suited option. http://www.pepejeans-uk.com/
Posted by: pepe jeans jeans | August 06, 2011 at 04:21 AM