There are at least 64.5 million domestic workers worldwide1 -- they are central to many people’s lives and help make houses into homes. Yet the people behind these numbers are also often invisible behind closed doors, allowing abuse and too often modern slavery.
Unbelievably, in most countries those employed to care for children, prepare meals, and clean homes cannot count on many of the basic legal protections and benefits afforded to other workers, so when abuses occur they have nowhere to turn for help.
Ending domestic slavery won’t be easy but we know what the first step is. It’s time for every country to adopt the new, game-changing international law2 that puts domestic workers on a level playing field with other workers, but this will only happen with your support.
Call on your government to adopt tough new rules to end domestic slavery.
Domestic slavery is a growing industry, with employers who use threats and coercion to pay no or low wages making US$8 billion in illegal profits every year.3 For many victims, the exploitation is made even worse by being forced to live in the homes of their abusers.
The new international law, called Domestic Workers Convention 189, is the first step towards protecting domestic workers from slavery: but for these new tough rules to have meaningful impact, every country in the world must adopt them.
By sending a message to your government today you can help start a domino effect that will compel other countries into action. 14 countries have already taken this step4 -- will yours be next?
Demand an end to domestic slavery: send a message to your government now.
Domestic workers deserve the same dignity and rights hard-won by other workers -- by taking action you’re helping to mark the beginning of the end of domestic slavery. Once you have taken action, please urge your friends and family to do the same.
In solidarity,
Mika, Olly, Amy, Sarah, and the Walk Free Team
