in EPZs to work as trade unions; giving meaning to the rights of association guaranteed under the
Constitution.
NHRCB notes with appreciation the efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in adopting the
Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy on 4 January, 2016. This policy is a paradigm shift,
which provides a framework to ensure the protection and welfare of the domestic workers. The policy
defines ‘domestic work` and ‘domestic workers’. The definition of ‘domestic worker’ include part time or
full time workers who by oral or written agreement engages in domestic/household work. It ensures
protection and welfare of the domestic workers, provides for the minimum wages, timely payment, define
the age of the domestic workers, the terms and conditions of the contract, working hour, rest, leisure and
holiday. Further, the policy provides for the treatment, remedies for accidental injury, freedom to practice
own religion and measures for addressing violence against the domestic workers. While strengthening
the domestic polices it is also vital that the country remains aligned with international standards.
Bangladesh has yet to ratify the Domestic Workers Convention (2011), Migration for Employment
Convention (1949) and Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention (1975). Thus, it is the
Commission’s view that Bangladesh should consider ratifying the Domestic Workers Convention 2011 (No.
189) and other conventions and subsequently enact legislation to translate international obligations to
the domestic legal context.
Despite many efforts to create a comprehensive legal and policy framework, implementation of these
laws, policies and Rules remains a challenge. While appreciating ongoing efforts, the Commission would
like to emphasize the need to translate laws and policies into actions. A well-grounded action plan with
milestones and smart indicators must be in place to monitor progress made under these policies and laws.
Further, it is of utmost importance that the government continue to retain this subject as one of its
national priorities and allocate more resources to ensure the rights of migrants are protected.
The Commission notes the importance of effective implementation of the National Skills Development
Policy16, 2013. While appreciating key achievements under the policy the Commission would like to place
emphasis on several gaps and challenges identified in a recent report17 related to this policy. As per the
report better coordination among institutions, gaps between the actual labour market and courses
offered and inconsistent training quality need closer attention and the Commission would urge relevant
authorities to take necessary action to address these gaps.
The Commission encourages the government to continue bilateral discussion with the government of
Myanmar to seek durable solutions and repatriate undocumented Myanmar Nationals. Further, the
Commission recommends that the international community continue to pursue Myanmar government to
create a safe and peaceful environment to Rohingya communities.
Bangladesh has thus far made no declaration under Articles 76 & 77 of CMW. Given that many countries
employing Bangladeshi migrant workers are non-signatories to CMW and the availability of multiple
domestic redress forums to Bangladeshi migrant workers, the Commission is keen to analyse the
pragmatic application of Articles 76 and 77. Thus, the Commission would recommend that an analysis be
conducted to guide the State to take appropriate next steps based on evidence.
16
The government in 2013 approved and adopted the National Skills Development Policy with the objective of improving employability of
citizens locally and overseas.
17 National skills development in Bangladesh 2015 , page 2 (http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilodhaka/documents/publication/wcms_445255.pdf)
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