International convention on domestic workers one step closer

Steps to launch an International Convention on domestic workers, led by the UN agency the International Labour Organisation, seems to gaining global support. Senior ILO official who oversees work conditions and employment said the convention would mark a major step in employment protection for domestic workers.

In the June talks, held in Geneva, more than 60 countries voted for a set of binding international standards to protect and empower domestic workers.

Sina Stiffler, SI UN Representative to Geneva, attended the meetings along with 2,500 other delegates. She reported back to SI the main reasons why a convention protecting the rights of domestic workers is so important:

"Many domestic workers around the world are either excluded from national labour laws or work under loosely regulated conditions. Where legal protection exists it is often poorly implemented. Domestic workers remain hidden and faceless, vulnerable to abuse."

Domestic work is a global phenomenon and mainly affects women. It is thought that 90% are women.

Senior ILO officials are confident that the convention, currently in draft form, will provide the necessary protection for domestic workers, particularly the right to freedom of association, fair terms of employment, decent working and living conditions and the protection of migrant domestic workers.