Group calls on government stakeholders to ratify Domestic Workers Convention to promote, protect rights of domestic workers

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A group known as the Center of Advocacy For Domestic Workers (CADW) has described the International Domestic Workers Day as a day set out by the United Nations to celebrate the contributions of Domestic Workers to the global economy and to draw attention to their needs.

It cited that the International Labour Organization on the 16th of June 2011 passed the Domestic Workers Convention (C189) which provides for the basic rights of domestic workers and the principles that States should follow in ensuring decent work conditions for domestic workers.

The advocacy group in a statement signed by Uchenna Anyaegbuna, Esq, Head of Operations, CADW, observed that the Convention is yet to be domesticated in Nigeria, saying that it has resulted in unfair terms of employment, deplorable and unsafe working and living conditions, and all forms of abuse, harassment and violence against domestic workers by employers of Domestic Labour.

It said: “As we celebrate Domestic Workers who are an unrecognized undervalued part of our labour force, we call on relevant government stakeholders to ratify the Convention to promote and protect the rights of Domestic Workers who are an indispensable part of our labour force.

“We also call on the 10th Senate to see to it that the Domestic Workers Convention (C189) is passed into law as we strive to achieve Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals which is Decent Work and Economic Growth.

“The Centre of Advocacy for Domestic Workers in line with the UN celebrates all Domestic Workers across the globe, especially Domestic Workers in Nigeria for their significant efforts and contributions to the economy.

“To Domestic Workers all over the country, we salute you and celebrate your untiring efforts and contributions.”

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