Caption: Indonesia's 2.6 m maids do not enjoy the same rights as workers in other sectors Amnesty says [EPA]Al Jazeera
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007
6:50 MECCA TIME, 3:50 GMT; NEWS ASIA-PACIFIC
The Indonesian government is failing to protect millions of domestic workers in the country at risk of extreme physical and sexual abuse, a human rights report has said.
London-based Amnesty International says many maids live in harsh conditions and several have even been beaten to death by their employers.
The report, released on Tuesday, said many maids suffered inadequate standard of living and were restricted in their movement, communication and the practice of their faith.
It said many of the country's 2.6 m domestic workers were treated by the government as second-class citizens.
Amnesty report: Exploitation of Indonesian maids
The report on the plight of Indonesian domestic workers detailed cases of women and girls as young as 12 who were allegedly abused, raped and beaten to death by their employers.
It accused the government of "leaving millions of women vulnerable to abusive employers" and urged the government to ensure that maids are given the same protection afforded to other workers.
"Like every other human being, domestic workers have rights, including the right to be free from violence, the right to rest and the right to be paid an adequate wage"
Natalie Hill,
Amnesty International
Amnesty said a draft Indonesian law on maids failed to limit working hours and a minimum wage, both basic rights enjoyed by other workers.
International labour rules stipulate a minimum requirement for legal protection covering clearly-defined hours of work and rest and a minimum wage, the group said.
The report said maids were often ashamed to relate their experiences such as economic exploitation and poor working conditions, as well as gender-based discrimination.
Deadly job
"Many are subjected to physical, psychological and sexual violence. Some are even killed," the report said.
"By contrast, the plight of Indonesian domestic workers in other parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East often make headlines in Indonesia."
Natalie Hill, Amnesty's Asia director, said the government "needs to stop viewing domestic workers as inferior" and should "educate police, the courts, employers and recruitment agencies" that violence against maids was a criminal offence.
"Like every other human being, domestic workers have rights, including the right to be free from violence, the right to rest and the right to be paid an adequate wage," she said.
"The government is currently failing to protect these rights."
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