UN Agencies Launch Code of Conduct for Domestic Workers in Qatar: Promoting Rights and Ethical Employment. In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights of domestic workers in Qatar, United Nations (UN) agencies recently introduced the “Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers”.
This initiative was launched in the presence of UN staff, Qatari government representatives, domestic workers, and embassies, underscoring the collective commitment to protect and promote domestic workers’ rights. The code serves as a voluntary guide for UN staff in Qatar, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold ethical practices in both their professional and personal lives as employers.
A Step Towards Protecting Domestic Workers’ Rights
Domestic workers are among the most vulnerable employees globally due to the private nature of their work, which often occurs behind closed doors. This vulnerability is a major concern, particularly when it comes to ensuring that their rights are upheld. The Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers reflects a growing awareness of these challenges and the need for ethical treatment of domestic workers.
Ewa Naqvi, Chief of Mission (OIC) for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar, highlighted the responsibility of employers, stating, “Domestic workers are among the most vulnerable workers because the job happens behind closed doors.
It is our collective duty as UN staff to ensure that we are modeling practices that protect their rights and are in line with national and international legislation.” This emphasis on aligning employer practices with both Qatar’s national laws and international standards is crucial for fostering a culture of respect for domestic workers’ rights.
Qatar’s Commitment to Workers’ Rights
Qatar has made significant strides in recent years toward improving labor conditions, including for domestic workers. The government has taken a series of measures to enhance the protection of workers’ rights, reflecting its commitment to upholding human dignity and labor standards.
H E Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, praised the Code of Conduct as aligning with Qatar’s national goal of improving the rights of workers.
The Qatar government has implemented several reforms that aim to enhance the working conditions of domestic workers. These include regulations that ensure fair treatment, reasonable working hours, and access to legal protection. By launching this Code of Conduct, the UN and Qatar reaffirm their dedication to protecting the rights of one of the most vulnerable groups in the labor market.
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Ethical Employment Practices for UN Staff
The Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers also serves as a guide for UN employees to foster a more ethical relationship with domestic workers. Max Tunon, Head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Project Office in Qatar, pointed out that the employment relationship between domestic workers and their employers often carries unique challenges.
“As employers ourselves, we understand that the employment relationship between a domestic worker and their employer has a number of unique elements, and it can get complicated,” said Tunon. The Code of Conduct offers clarity and support to UN staff who employ domestic workers, ensuring they meet ethical standards in line with international norms.
The Code not only establishes guidelines for fair treatment but also encourages employers to create a working environment that is safe and supportive. Domestic workers who feel secure and valued are likely to be more focused and content in their roles.
As Margaret Nashipia Kabue, President of the Kenya Domestic Workers Organization in Qatar, emphasized, “It is important for employers to create strong relationships and a friendly working environment with domestic workers. When a domestic worker feels safe, they can be more focused and happier.”
Strengthening Qatar’s Efforts Through International Collaboration
The launch of the Code of Conduct also signifies the broader cooperation between the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the State of Qatar. These entities are working together to set new standards for the protection of domestic workers, a group that is often overlooked in traditional labor frameworks.
The collaborative nature of the initiative highlights Qatar’s proactive role in promoting workers’ rights at both the national and international levels.
H E Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the efforts of both the ILO and IOM in launching the Code of Conduct. She emphasized that this initiative supports Qatar’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of domestic workers.
She further noted that the Code of Conduct reinforces employers’ responsibilities to ensure that domestic workers are treated ethically and fairly, aligning with both national legislation and international human rights standards.
A Path Forward: Enhancing Workers’ Rights in Qatar
The introduction of the Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers marks a significant step toward improving the rights and working conditions of domestic workers in Qatar. It not only supports the country’s broader labor reforms but also reflects the growing awareness of the need for ethical employment practices.
Through this initiative, Qatar continues to set an example in the region for its commitment to protecting vulnerable workers, ensuring that domestic workers receive the same respect and legal protection as others in the labor market.
As the Qatar government continues to advance its labor reforms, the Code of Conduct will play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between employers and domestic workers, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just work environment for all.
Conclusion
The Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers is a crucial development in the protection of domestic workers’ rights in Qatar. It sets clear guidelines for ethical treatment, reflecting the Qatar government’s ongoing commitment to improving labor standards and aligning with international laws.
As Qatar continues to lead by example in the region, this initiative will strengthen the country’s efforts to enhance workers’ rights and ensure that domestic workers are treated with dignity and respect. Through cooperation with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and IOM, Qatar is advancing its national goals while promoting a culture of fairness and ethical responsibility across its labor market.