Geneva - The International Labour Organisation on Thursday passed a landmark treaty giving protection to an estimated 52.6 million domestic workers across the world.
The new convention would ensure domestic workers enjoyed conditions "not less favourable" than other workers, requiring governments to ensure they understood their rights, preferably through written contracts.
The document also offers domestic workers a full rest day every week, and prevents employers requiring domestic workers to remain with an employer's household during their annual leave or rest days.
The convention, which was adopted with a 396 votes for, 16 against and 63 abstentions, will come into effect upon the ratification of two countries. The Philippines and Uruguay have already said they would ratify the accord.