Labour standards
ILO, DMW tackle protecting domestic workers and ending workplace violence
During her visit to the Philippines, ILO Assistant Director-General Manuela addressed a forum on protecting the rights of domestic workers and ending violence and harassment in the workplace.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) hosted a forum on the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) and the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190).
During her visit to the Philippines, ILO Assistant Director-General Manuela Tomei addressed the forum and emphasized the two Conventions, which recognize the rights of domestic workers to decent work and the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac cited that the ILO Conventions are landmark instruments that promote the protection of the dignity and safety of all workers, particularly domestic workers who are vulnerable to abuse. The Conventions as he highlighted are relevant for OFWs, who may face various forms of violence and harassment in their workplaces abroad, such as physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm.
As a ratifying country, the Philippines is committed to implementing the Conventions in its national laws and practices, and it reports on its progress on a regular basis, with technical assistance from the ILO as needed.
The forum focused on understanding international labour standards and their relevance to labour migration governance, sharing experiences on Philippine compliance to the Conventions, and implementing measures, challenges and good practices.
Furthermore, the forum provides an opportunity to reflect on ILO Convention No. 189, which was ratified over a decade ago, as well as ILO Convention No. 190, which entered into force in February 2025, a year after its ratification.
Objectives:
- Provide an overview on International Labour Standards.
- Present key provisions of ILO Convention Nos. 189 and 190 and relevant migration-related international labour standards.
- Share national and international good practices in promoting the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing these conventions to the conditions of Filipino migrant workers overseas.
- Discuss the Philippines’ compliance to ILO Convention Nos. 189 and 190 by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).