UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013

September 9, 2012

The (also known as the ILO Convention 189) is to take effect next year after the Philippines ratified it earlier this month, according to the United Nations. It follows the lead taken by which ratified it earlier this year. Only two countries are needed in order for it to take effect.

Upon taking effect, the convention is intended to protect the rights of around 53 to 100 million around the world. Based on UN estimates, many of them are and. The ILO has noted that these workers work in a sector that lacks regulation and is informal.

According to the UN, the convention intends to grant the workers several rights. These include and, protection from , , and. Also included are chapters that entitles domestic workers to a that specifies the type of work,, the , , and days off.