Bangladesh: Cabinet Adopts Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy
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BANGLADESH -
The adoption of the Policy is a success for National Domestic Women Workers Union (NDWWU) and Domestic Workers Rights Network (DWRN). DWRN was formed in 2006 December right after the new Labour Act adopted at that time which excludes domestic workers as workers. Since then, the 32 member organizations of DWRN including NDWWU, Trade Union Centres, NGOs, Human Rights groups and BILS the DWRN secretariat, have been working together hard towards the protection of domestic workers rights.
On 9 Jan 2008, DWRN submitted memorandum to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to account domestic workers in the Labour Act 2006. They were able to push the Ministry to adopt the decision to formulate Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy. DWRN drafted the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2010. Since then, non-stop meetings, workshops, seminars, rallies, human chains, petitions were organized by DWRN to demand for the approval of the policy and later on the ratification of C189.
- Click here for a brief profile of domestic workers in Bangladesh and brief history of DWRN's work to fight for the Policy >>>
Major points of "Domestic Worker Protection and Welfare Policy-2015" are:
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Photo (screen capture): bdnews24.com
As the policy is approved, around 2.0 million domestic workers will get all facilities under the Labour Law- 2006 across the country.
- Click here for the final adopted paper of "Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2015" (in Bengali only) >>>
Any kind of indecent behaviour, physical, sexual or mental torture will be prohibited strictly from now on. The government will take full responsibility for any cases filed over harassment and/or violence, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The Cabinet Secretary said the provisions of punishment under the existing laws, including penal code and Women and Child Repression Prevention Act, will be applicable and the government will ensure it.
Sources:
- Bangladesh Cabinet clears policy for domestic helps |
- Domestic workers' protection policy gets cabinet nod | Samakal
- Cabinet clears draft policy to protect domestic workers rights | Independent Online Desk
More information:
- Domestic workers need the law on their side | Dhaka Tribune
- Cabinet okays draft policy for domestic workers | The Daily Star
- গৃহকর্মী সুরক্ষা নীতি প্রণয়নে আনন্দ মিছিল | bdnews24
- DWRN met State Minister of MoLE on 27 Dec 2015 to discuss on the Policy, DWRN
Photos: Sumaiya Islam & Domestic Workers Rights Network (DWRN)
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