Domestic Work

Domestic work refers to paid or unpaid work that is performed within a household or domestic setting. Domestic work may include a wide range of tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, and other household chores. Domestic work is often performed by domestic workers, who may be hired directly by the household or through an agency.

Domestic work is a vital and often undervalued sector of the global economy, and it plays a crucial role in supporting families and households around the world. However, domestic workers often face challenges and vulnerabilities, including low pay, long working hours, and a lack of benefits and protections. Many domestic workers are also at risk of abuse and exploitation, and they may be denied their basic human rights.

There are a number of organizations and initiatives that work to support and protect the rights of domestic workers and to promote fair and decent working conditions for them. These may include trade unions, advocacy groups, and international organizations.

 

 

Opinion | Human trafficking threatens our society – Daily Illini
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Opinion | Human trafficking threatens our society – Daily Illini

In the United States, slavery may be remembered as an abolished practice of the past, but it is still happening here today. It has been carried on through a new, illegal outlet: human trafficking. The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor…

The Slow Revival of Working Conditions Rights: Safe and Healthy Working Conditions to be Included in the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work?
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The Slow Revival of Working Conditions Rights: Safe and Healthy Working Conditions to be Included in the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work?

The International Labour Conference is debating the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions in the ILO fundamental principles and rights at work. In Geneva, a discussion is taking place this week that could significantly realign the international-level vision of fundamental labour rights. The International Labour Conference  – an annual meeting of governments, employers’ organisations…

ATEST Endorses Key Bills to Reauthorize and Strengthen Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs
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ATEST Endorses Key Bills to Reauthorize and Strengthen Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs

WASHINGTON — The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) is pleased to announce its endorsement of four bills that will reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). The bills each address different components of U.S. anti-trafficking policy and will progress U.S. government efforts to combat the scourge of labor and sex trafficking both inside…

Refugees at Risk: UNODC Uncovers Human Trafficking at Camp in Malawi
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Refugees at Risk: UNODC Uncovers Human Trafficking at Camp in Malawi

(UNODC) and the Malawian Police Service. Now measures are underway to dismantle the human trafficking networks operating within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, identify and rescue their victims and bring those responsible to justice. “The situation was much worse than we first envisaged,” says UNODC’s Maxwell Matewere, who initially visited the camp in October 2020 where…

Former domestic worker exploited in France rebuilds life
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Former domestic worker exploited in France rebuilds life

Speaking to VICE News this week, former domestic worker Inès shared her experiences of servitude in France where she thought she would be able to pursue an education. Trained as a nail technician in a French-speaking African country., Inès had aspirations of moving abroad to continue her education. Her boss suggested she move to France where…

ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs
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ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs

April 27, 2022 • 8:37 am • Terry FitzPatrick ATEST is was well represented at Wednesday’s herring of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Speakers at the session included: ATEST Director Terry FitzPatrick (see written testimony here) ATEST member organization Human Trafficking Legal Center Founder and President Martina Vandenberg (see written…

International Women’s Day: from child domestic worker to future business leader
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International Women’s Day: from child domestic worker to future business leader

Across the globe, modern slavery continues to disproportionately affect women and girls worldwide. Almost three quarters (71%) of people affected by slavery today are women and girls. From sexual exploitation and domestic work, to descent-based slavery and forced labour, women continue to face physical, financial, sexual and psychological abuse. That’s why, this International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating…

The EU proposal for mandatory due diligence: our initial review
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The EU proposal for mandatory due diligence: our initial review

On 23 February the European Commission finally published its long-awaited proposal for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. Here at Anti-Slavery International, we’ve been advocating for this law since 2017 and welcome this milestone as a step forward in turning our ask to a reality. The introduction of the law has the potential to…