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Caritas: Protect domestic workers from exploitation
Thursday, 11 March 2010 09:28 | 
Save them from becoming "modern slaves"
Caritas Internationalis has appealed to governments and international communities to protect migrants working in homes as maids, caretakers and caregivers.
Most of these domestic workers are women, and are frequently trafficked and exploited. They rarely have any form of legal protection.
The abuse may be difficult to detect, as the workplace is within private homes.
Caritas has appealed for this category of workers to be granted the same legal rights as all other workers. "In addition to the risk of abuse, domestic workers have no social insurance, are subjected to long working hours, and are underpaid. Many are afraid to complain, as they fear revenge from employers and continue to live as 'modern slaves'," Caritas Internationalis said in a statement.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations body responsible for the management of international workers, is studying a document to protect the rights of domestic workers, which will be presented in June.
Caritas has also called for special measures for migrant domestic workers so that their work permits or residence are not bound to their employer. The Organization is studying a mechanism by which housework should be regulated by the creation of employment agencies that act as intermediaries between employers and migrant workers. These agencies should ensure observance of labour standards and the quality of work.
Caritas has recognized an increase in demand for domestic workers, although in many countries there are still no legal migration channels, and has called on governments to create channels that allow for work in the legal form, for those who wish to leave their country origin.
Last Updated (Thursday, 11 March 2010 10:11)