SWEPT UNDER THE RUG: Abuses Against Domestic Workers Around the World

Via: Human Rights Watch
Photo by: Human Rights Watch

"Millions of women and girls around the world turn to domestic work as one of the few options available to them in order to provide for themselves and their families. Instead of guaranteeing their ability to work with dignity and freedom from violence, governments have systematically denied them key labor protections extended to other workers. Domestic workers, often making extraordinary sacrifices to support their families, are among the most exploited and abused workers in the world."

"Abuses against domestic workers, typically taking place in private homes and hidden from the public eye, have garnered increased attention in recent years. The long list of abuses committed by employers and labor agents includes:

*physical, psychological, and sexual abuse;
*forced confinement in the workplace;
*food deprivation;
*non-payment of wages; and
*excessively long working hours with no rest days.

"Poorly regulated recruitment practices shift most costs to migrant domestic workers, leaving them heavily indebted. In the worst situations, women and girls are trapped in situations of forced labor or have been trafficked into forced domestic work in conditions akin to slavery."

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