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There are few stories more tragic than the plight of foreign maids in Lebanon. Those familiar with their circumstances now how much they suffer under cruel employers, so much so that many choose to take their own lives.
The Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut has been reported on the deaths of their maids in Lebanon, estimated at between 40,000 to 50,000. The consulate has started to provide refuge for some of these maids seeking escape from their incredibly abusive employers who do things from leaving them to sleep on the balcony to beating them. But the consulate simply does not have enough space.
“The consulate doesn’t have a resting room. Women sleep under the cars [by the consulate], so many guys come and harass them. Some of them are only 20 years old with a future and destiny. I take the decision in my life to suffer for them,” said Ethiopian Molla, age 27.
Someone like Molla is a hero. She has taken in many maids who desperately need help. “I’m Christian, I’m a believer. Everyday I see my people and my nation, with no one to take responsibility. The idea comes from God - helping protect someone who was abused. I ask the girl when I take her to my home: ‘What’s the problem with your sponsor?’ And she says, ’so many things.’”
The consulate estimates that in about the last year alone 150 women died. Mekdes Tesfaye Tefera’s is one of those victims. She was found dead with a noose around her neck. “They always say, ’she killed herself,’” the social affairs officer at the consulate said.
The Ethiopian government has banned maids going to Lebanon and many have stopped going anyway after hearing horrifying stories. Although some still enter Lebanon through third countries.
May God watch over them and aid them away from such a life and lead them to a new one where they are prosperous.
RSS 
most of the time this is due to illetracy coupled with a relatively high income. back in the 60s, there were practically no maids in lebanon, and the average lebanese beiruti was quite intellectual and laws were applied on the ground. you can’t simply hire a stranger just because you’re not fond of daily housework.
with more working women during the early 70s and right after the war, some couples found it very hard to merge daily work & house work. This was the massive immigration era in the early 90s.
it later on became a social ’rank’ to have a maid help you at home. some sort of classy trend in the society.
when illetrates, naturally said and violent couples invite in a maid, it’s mainly to experience their superiority on someone whom they deem inferior (in their point of view of course).
please don’t confuse all lebanese. our country and our society has been passing through a tremendous metamorphose for the last 2 decades.
It’s only when we have a powerful government that we can enforce law. please know that until today, our police gets slapped and beaten by militia men of some glorious party in some areas just because it’s trying to do its job
also please refrain from using fallacious arguments by generalizing this onto every lebanese. in fact, the picture shown above is that of girl who was killed by an israeli missile during the july 2006 war.
Despite all these Ethiopians still come to Lebanon because of selfish and illegal agents from both sides who promise them prosperity .
Ethiopia though poor is not such a bad place -with your Humanity and dignity respected. Ethiopians are people who respect each other and who are well known for their hospitality and respect for others . But in Lebanon and Bahrain and other Arab states we are the slaves ,the underdogs . Just remember that the Prophet said at one time ’go to Ethiopia ,they are good people and they will shelter and protect you ”. And we did prove that we are good people . I still believe that many Lebanese are good people and hardworking ...but they need to also fight crimes committed against other people .
What the sentence meant is: There are dead Ethiopian workers amongst the 40,000 to 50,000 workers (who currently reside and work there). That said, I am still ashamed if ONLY ONE maid has been murdered and the incident went on with no investigation and the killer(s) have not been brought to justice.
Also, the picture is misused and does not relate to the topic as it shows a martyred kid during the Israeli’s brutal aggression in Lebanon Summer 2006.
