WHO WORKS FOR YOU, SISTER? Protecting the Rights of Migrant Women Domestic Workers

Currently there are an estimated 214 million international migrants and international migration is expected to increase due to global economic stress and climate change. On December 4, 2010, the tenth anniversary year of the International Day of Migrants was noted by the United Nations General Assembly.

Nearly half are women, many work as domestic workers. Women migrant domestic workers are usually employed in private households and are very susceptible to physical and sexual abuse. Frequently, they are not allowed outside of the home, work excessively long hours and may be required to give up their passports and identification by the employer. Of particular note it that a great deal of the physical abuse is committed by their women employers.

In response, the International Labor Organization has urged ratification of a resolution to protect the rights of all migrant workers, including female domestic workers. The human rights of this “invisible” workforce has been trampled on and ignored for too long.

All of civil society can keep a watchful eye on situations in their own communities as well as monitoring the legislation and legal protection of migrants in state governments. Find out what the law is in your country to protect the human rights of all migrant workers and urge appropriate action if needed.

Lois A. Beilin, SI rep. to UN/NY