On International Migrants Day, Shia Rights Watch (SRW) underscores the urgent need to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of millions of migrant workers worldwide, including those who face additional layers of vulnerability due to their religious identity. Migrants play an essential role in building economies, sustaining families, and strengthening societies, yet many continue to endure systemic discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and restrictions on basic freedoms.
For Shia Muslim migrant workers in particular, identity-based challenges often compound pre-existing labor vulnerabilities. In some regions, workers face obstacles in accessing places of worship, limitations on cultural or religious observance, targeted harassment, or discriminatory labor practices. These pressures place Shia Muslim migrants at heightened risk of exploitation and contribute to long-term social and economic insecurity.
As part of its mission, SRW continues to document patterns of discrimination affecting Shia Muslim communities globally, including those living and working outside their countries of origin. Migrants deserve full and equal protection under international human rights law, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. Safe working environments, freedom of worship, legal support, and access to justice must be upheld without discrimination.
SRW calls on governments, employers, and international institutions to strengthen protections for vulnerable migrant populations, enhance monitoring mechanisms, ensure freedom of belief and worship, and enforce labor standards that respect human dignity.
Protecting migrants is not only a legal obligation — it is a moral imperative and an investment in the stability and prosperity of all societies.