International Labour Organization

This paper looks at the exploitation of migrant workers by organized crime in the larger context of labour migration and regulation. It begins by discussing push and pull factors including the demand for cheap labour in destination countries, lack of employment security in origin countries, poverty and the loss of traditional economies and societies. The second section examines various dimensions of the exploitation of migrant workers including immigration policies, labour standards and gender. The third section provides an overview of trafficking for forced labour in different regions.

This Convention was adopted by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization on June 24, 1975 and entered into force on December 9, 1978. While the provisions do not apply specifically to women migrant workers, they are relevant to women who migrate for employment. Part I of the Convention recognizes and seeks to prevent abuse of migrant workers, namely by suppressing clandestine movement for employment and illegal employment.

Adopted by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization on July 1, 1949, this ILO Convention entered into force on January 22, 1952. The Convention affirms the rights of individuals who migrate for employment and the obligations of sending and receiving governments.

The International Labour Organization's (ILO) Maternity Protection Convention, was revised at the General Conference of the ILO in June 2000. The new text entered into force on February 2, 2002. The Convention applies to employed women and includes protections relating to the health of pregnant or breastfeeding women, maternity leave, benefits and non-discrimination in employment. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Overview, International]

This Convention was one of the first international documents to specifically identify the rights of Indigenous persons. The Convention generally states that the full range of human rights should be provided to Indigenous persons and Article 3 states that these provisions should apply equally to males and females. The Convention emphasizes key elements in the range of protections for Indigenous rights including social, economic and cultural rights and rights of self-determination.