Featured practices: Migrant domestic workers as agents of change
Ahead of this year’s International Domestic Workers Day on 16 June, the Migration Network Hub in coordination with ILO launched a Call for Practices to encourage submissions of initiatives and policies that help to transform how migrant domestic workers are valued and seen by the rest of society. The practices listed here were collected as part of this Call for Practices and underwent a peer review process by migration experts, and are now being published for the celebration of International Domestic Workers Day.
Domestic Workers League of ACV-CSC Brussels
Implemented by Confederation of Christian Trade Unions
Outcome of the practice:
Active campaigning generated awareness on migrant domestic workers’ issues and rights; while safe spaces helped workers to learn their rights and equip themselves with tools and skills to advocate for these rights.
Migrant Domestic Workers Rights in Czech Households
Implemented by the Association for Integration and Migration
Outcome of the practice:
A combination of legal counseling, workshops for NGOs, and public campaigning helped strengthen the rights and dignity of migrant domestic workers and increased cooperation with various ministries.
One Wage Campaign in South Africa
Implemented by a coalition of worker rights organizations, unions, and CSOs
Outcome of the practice:
An advocacy campaign changed the National Minimum Wage Act to include domestic work, taking an important step toward closing the migrant pay gap.
Research on human rights violations against live-in domestic workers and Code of Good Practice
Implemented by Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance and Solidarity Center in South Africa
Outcome of the practice:
Research led to a Code of Good Practice that provides a minimum standard for live-in domestic workers to access their basic rights.
Campaign and litigation for inclusion in the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act
Implemented by unions, migrant workers’ associations, NGOs, and public interest lawyers in South Africa
Outcome of the practice:
The national Occupational Injury and Illness Act was adapted to include domestic workers, exemplifying how collective action through research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing can address systemic discrimination.
Engaging United Nations Treaty Bodies on Worker Rights
Implemented by Solidarity Center and a coalition of unions, worker rights associations and public interest lawyers
Outcome of the practice:
Coalitions from multiple countries submitted reports to the UN Treaty Bodies, placing issues in domestic worker rights on the international human rights agenda, compelling the countries to take action.
Migration Lab for the domestic and home care sector
Implemented by Fédération des particuliers employeurs de France
Outcome of the practice:
The Lab provides employment pathways for migrant domestic workers, by providing trainings on French language, citizenship processes, and skills needed in the domestic care sector.
Repository of Practices
Explore the practices of others implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and submit your own practice.
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*Toutes les références au Kosovo doivent être comprises dans le contexte de la résolution 1244 (1999) du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies.