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Middle East & North Africa

by IDWFED published Mar 30, 2017 06:15 PM
Revisiting CEDAW's Recommendations: Has anything changed for migrant workers in Israel in the last two years?

Revisiting CEDAW's Recommendations: Has anything changed for migrant workers in Israel in the last two years?

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 05, 2015 04:11 PM

The purpose of this report is to examine if and to what extent these recommendations, by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), have taken effect in the two years since the report, and how, if at all, the situation of migrant women improved for the better as a result. As we will see, while some progress was achieved in certain areas, much of the Committee's observations did not inform or impact policy choices made by key state actors with respect to migrant women. In light of this, Kav LaOved calls the Israeli government to implement in full the Committee's recommendations, and to afford migrant women equal rights in all spheres related to their residency and employment in Israel.

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Black Money, Black Labor Collection of Brokerage Fees from Migrant Caregivers in Israel

Black Money, Black Labor Collection of Brokerage Fees from Migrant Caregivers in Israel

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 03, 2015 04:52 PM

From the moment Israel started bringing migrant workers into the country, the import of migrant workers was privatized and contracted by private manpower agencies. Kav LaOved conducted a survey in March 2013, with data from 835 migrant workers who arrived in Israel with a work visa for the caregiving field, between 2007 and 2013. This survey indicates constantly increasing brokerage fees that caregivers are required to pay in order to arrive in Israel.

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Pakistan: Domestic Workers discussed about their rights

Pakistan: Domestic Workers discussed about their rights

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 12, 2015 05:29 PM

Women domestic workers discussed on Friday their labour rights at a meeting by the HomeNet Pakistan and the Plan Pakistan. They decided to take serious measures establishing and implementing labour laws, especially with regard to domestic workers who did not even have basic minimum pay.

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IDWF - Our World

IDWF - Our World

by IDWFED — last modified Feb 21, 2016 11:19 PM

Presentation of the world IDWF works in from population, income.

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Claiming Rights: Domestic Workers' Movements and Global Advances for Labor Reform

Claiming Rights: Domestic Workers' Movements and Global Advances for Labor Reform

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 10, 2015 06:13 PM

This 33-page report, released by IDWN, the ITUC, and Human Rights Watch, charts ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention, national labor law reforms, and the growing influence of emerging domestic workers’ rights movements.

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"Yes, We Did It!" How the Worlds Domestic Workers Won Their International Rights and Recognition

"Yes, We Did It!" How the Worlds Domestic Workers Won Their International Rights and Recognition

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 10, 2015 06:08 PM

This booklet outlines the how Convention C189 was achieved and the lessons that can be learnt for others who wish to promote a global society based on equality, justice, respect and rights for all. In particular, this booklet focuses on and celebrates the role of domestic workers themselves and that of their organizations as the fundamental players in making their own history.

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Child domestic work: Global estimates 2012

Child domestic work: Global estimates 2012

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 02, 2015 09:29 PM

This factsheet is an update to the global estimates on child domestic work 2008

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Global: Myrtle Witbooi, IDWN Chair, talks about why she is at the 2013 AFL-CIO Convention

Global: Myrtle Witbooi, IDWN Chair, talks about why she is at the 2013 AFL-CIO Convention

by IDWFED — last modified Feb 23, 2016 03:17 PM

Myrtle Witbooi of Capetown, IDWN Chair, said she came to emphasize the fact that "domesticworkers are just like any other workers, and deserving of the same rights and respect." Myrtle said another goal was to build support for C189, the international Convention of rights concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

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Global: Domestic Workers Receive 2013 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award at AFL-CIO Convention

Global: Domestic Workers Receive 2013 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award at AFL-CIO Convention

by IDWFED — last modified Feb 22, 2016 11:21 PM

Recognizing the hardships faced by many domestic workers across the globe, the International Domestic Workers' Network (IDWN) was formed in 2006 to provide a voice for the voiceless and a face for the oftentimes invisible workers who clean homes, care for children, the elderly and assist those in need.

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Saudi Arabia passes historic domestic abuse law

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 20, 2015 03:42 PM

Saudi Arabia has passed historic legislation criminalising domestic abuse for the first time, as well as establishing treatment and shelter for victims. Law enforcement agencies are now accountable for investigating and prosecuting domestic cases. Previously, police treated violence against women and children as a private domestic matter with few legal consequences, according to Saudi Gazette. Public and private sector employees also are being encouraged to report abuse cases to police or the Ministry of Social Affairs.

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Pakistan: Private Bill Drafted for Domestic Workers

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 26, 2015 04:47 PM

It is good to see a private bill having been drafted for domestic workers in Pakistan. While the odds of private bills being endorsed by the parliamentary majority needed for them to turn into law are difficult, making an effort to offer legislative protection for domestic workers is noteworthy. A number of parliamentarians have apparently indicated support for this bill. A campaign has also been launched seeking feedback on the draft version of the Domestic Workers Act 2013, before it is tabled in the National Assembly.

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Decent Work for Domestic Workers: About C189

Decent Work for Domestic Workers: About C189

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 12, 2015 04:33 PM

Three informative PPTs about C189: its content, key principles and process of ratification.

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House of Horrors - Labour Trafficking in Domestic Workers

House of Horrors - Labour Trafficking in Domestic Workers

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 30, 2015 05:18 PM

You are one of the hundreds, maybe thousands of migrant women workers who have left their families at home to care for someone else’s, only to be trafficked into domestic servitude. The International Labor Organization, Human Rights Watch, the ACLU, and other human-rights advocacy organizations have compiled report after report about human trafficking and migrant domestic-worker abuse around the world. Forced overtime, degrading living conditions, withholding of pay and identity documents, threats, emotional abuse, and even physical and sexual assault are so common in the migrant domestic-worker population that each case almost mirrors the last. While the stories surrounding workers in the Middle East tend to be severe, the elements that make workers vulnerable, like employer sponsorship and lack of protections or recognition for their work, are not unique to the Gulf.

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Saudi passes historic domestic worker law

Saudi passes historic domestic worker law

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 30, 2015 05:24 PM

Saudi Arabia has passed historic legislation it claims will protect the rights of domestic workers as well as employers, according to local media. The kingdom’s 2m domestic workers, including maids and drivers, have been among the most exploited employees in the country and the new law follows years of disputes between Saudi Arabia and labour exporting countries, mostly from southern Asia and Africa. Workers will now be given nine hours of free time daily, one day off per week, one-month paid holiday every two years and sick leave. Their probation period has to be limited to three months. However, the law also allows for domestic workers to be fired or penalised if they do not respect Islam, obey Saudi law or “carry out their duties perfectly”. They also must obey their employer and his family members, protect the family’s property, preserve family secrets and not harm children or elderly members, the law reportedly states. “The worker will not have the right to reject any work or leave the job without any genuine reason,” Arab News reported.

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Gulf countries should revise domestic workers contract

Gulf countries should revise domestic workers contract

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 08, 2015 11:01 AM

The ITUC has called on the members Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the coordination body for Gulf country governments, to revise a planned standard contract for domestic workers to bring it into line with ILO standards. The Council is believed to be on the verge of adopting the standard contract to be applied across the six Gulf countries. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said, “The Gulf region has an appalling record on workers’ rights, and migrant domestic workers suffer from some of the worst treatment of all. Most have virtually no rights, and are kept in slave-like conditions by their employers. The cycle of impoverishment, exploitation and sexual assault has to stop, and the only way to ensure that is to follow the standards set by the ILO.”

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"Meeting the needs of my family too": Maternity protection and work-family measures for domestic workers

"Meeting the needs of my family too": Maternity protection and work-family measures for domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 12, 2015 04:53 PM

This document is part of a series of briefs on issues and approaches to promoting decent work for domestic workers.

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Domestic workers' rights move closer to becoming reality worldwide

Domestic workers' rights move closer to becoming reality worldwide

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 03, 2015 04:04 PM

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are 53-100 million domestic workers worldwide, 83 per cent of whom are women. They represent 4 to 10 per cent of the labour force in developing countries and about 2 per cent in developed countries. Their work is an important contribution to economic and social development. Still, 40 per cent of countries worldwide have no form of regulation of any kind for domestic workers. Around the world, UN Women is working with Governments, domestic workers’ unions and the private sector to promote the rights of domestic workers –majority of who work as domestic helps in households-and ensure that domestic work is both regulated and covered by social protection. This includes supporting the Global Forum on Migration and Development and promoting the ratification of ILO Convention 189 on domestic work – a landmark international treaty adopted on 16 June 2011, which will come into force on 5 September 2013.

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Ending child labour in domestic work and protecting young workers from abusive working conditions

Ending child labour in domestic work and protecting young workers from abusive working conditions

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 25, 2015 06:48 PM

New report on domestic work within the framework of the two ILO fundamental conventions on child labour and the recently adopted instruments on decent work for domestic workers.

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Snapshot: ILO in action, domestic workers

Snapshot: ILO in action, domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 25, 2015 06:53 PM

A growing number of countries are taking measures to improve the living and working conditions of domestic workers. But the momentum needs to be stepped up to ensure that domestic workers worldwide enjoy labour rights, just like other workers. Every day tens of millions of people throughout the world clean other people’s homes, cook their meals and watch over their children. Their work contributes to national economies and labour markets by enabling others to carry out their own jobs. Yet, domestic workers very often lack recognition as real workers, and constitute one of the most vulnerable categories of workers.

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Saudi and Philippine: Ink pact on workers

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 08, 2015 04:29 PM

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Saudi Arabian Labor Minister Adel Bin Mohammed Fakeih signed in Jeddah on Sunday an agreement on the recruitment of Filipino domestic workers and the duties and responsibilities of their Saudi employers.

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UAE and Philippines edge nearer on amended labour agreement

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 09, 2015 05:51 PM

An amended labour agreement between the UAE and the Philippines to help prevent cases of unlawful and forced contract substitution is nearing completion. The technical working groups from both countries had an open discussion yesterday to refine the provisions of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that lapsed in April last year.

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Saudi Arabia: Filipino workers urged to rectify their status

Saudi Arabia: Filipino workers urged to rectify their status

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 09, 2015 06:31 PM

The Philippine Embassy yesterday urged Filipinos in the Kingdom to correct their status in keeping with the grace period announced by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor.

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Qutar: Advisory Council approves draft Health Insurance Law

Qutar: Advisory Council approves draft Health Insurance Law

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 14, 2015 04:24 PM

The Advisory Council (Al Shura) has approved the draft Health Insurance Law at a meeting chaired by its president, HE Mohamed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi, local daily Arrayah has reported. The council has also recommended that domestic workers be exempted from payment of the insurance premium. Provisions of the law will apply to all Qatari nationals, GCC nationals, residents of the State of Qatar and visitors, according to the report.

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Lebanon: Joint Campaign to end abuse of domestic workers

by IDWFED — last modified Sep 28, 2015 05:16 PM

More than 200,000 migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Lebanon face potential exploitative and abusive working and living conditions. The sponsorship (kafala) system makes the worker dependent upon her employer for her legal status. Under this system, domestic workers are tied to one employer. For instance, MDWs cannot easily quit their job even if they face abuse or have not been paid for months at a time. The sponsorship system encourages employers to lock the worker in the house, withhold her passport, and violate other basic human rights.

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Dignity Overdue: Decent Work for Domestic Workers

Dignity Overdue: Decent Work for Domestic Workers

by IDWFED — last modified Dec 29, 2015 02:28 PM

Millions of women and girls around the world turn to domestic work in order to provide for themselves and their families. Instead of guaranteeing their ability to work with dignity and free of violence, governments have systematically denied them key labor protections extended to other workers.

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Saudi Arabia: Free Legal Aid to Migrant Workers

by IDWFED — last modified Oct 06, 2015 04:42 PM

Mr. Abdulrahman Allahim, lawyer partner of Migrant Forum Asia (MFA) has open an exclusive section in his office offering free legal aid to migrant workers who have problems with their employment.

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Domestic Workers Count Too: Implementing Protections for Domestic Workers: ITUC/UN Women Briefing Kit

Domestic Workers Count Too: Implementing Protections for Domestic Workers: ITUC/UN Women Briefing Kit

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 26, 2015 04:18 PM

Based on personal testimonies from Bolivia, the State of New York, USA, the Philippines and South Africa, the ITUC-UN Women briefing kit is an encouragement to all governments to take measures to ensure that domestic workers are recognized and protected by law. Domestic workers represent an integral part of the labour force worldwide, and this is expected to grow in the coming years.

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Home Truths: Wellbeing and vulnerabilities of child domestic workers, by Anti-Slavery International

Home Truths: Wellbeing and vulnerabilities of child domestic workers, by Anti-Slavery International

by IDWFED — last modified Nov 26, 2015 04:22 PM

This report presents the findings of a multi-country study into the psychosocial wellbeing of child domestic workers (CDWs) across three continents. The study was conducted in Peru, Costa Rica, Togo, Tanzania, India and Philippines during 2009 with around 3,000 children, mostly between the ages of 10 and 17; half of whom work as paid or unpaid domestic workers. This study makes an important contribution to our understanding of child domestic work and provides important indicators in terms of the situation and circumstances that most affect these child workers as well as the aspects of their life that provide resilience and contribute to their wellbeing in a positive way.

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Global: 2013 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award - International Domestic Workers' Network

by IDWFED — last modified Aug 06, 2021 12:25 PM

In recognition of the groundbreaking efforts of domestic workers worldwide to organize for greater awareness of and respect for their work, their historic success in the adoption of the ILO convention and their commitment to support, expand and build the global labor movement, the AFL-CIO is pleased to award the 2013 George Meany–Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award to the International Domestic Workers' Network.

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Lebanon: New round of regulating domestic worker agencies begins

Lebanon: New round of regulating domestic worker agencies begins

by IDWFED — last modified Oct 12, 2015 02:15 PM

A draft decree to regulate private recruitment agencies and bring them in line with international standards was discussed by key stakeholders at the Labor Ministry on Feb 25, with representatives from recruitment agencies complaining that they were not consulted.

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