Migrant Forum in Asia joins our sisters and brothers in the National Union of Domestic Employees, labor unions and workers around the world for the celebration of the World Day for Decent Work.

2011 is a momentous year. With the adoption of the ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, tens of millions of domestic workers worldwide can, after 56 years of waiting, finally claim their dignity in the workplace and their labor rights respected as any other worker. The World Day for Decent Work is a timely occasion to highlight this significant breakthrough and to stress the need to ensuring that these rights, now enshrined in Convention form, must be protected and strengthened.

2011 is also a year where we are witnessing series of demonstrations from different parts of the globe. People protest against increasing social and economic inequality, youth unemployment, corporate greed and public sector cuts that affect crucial services and benefits. The mass protests call for equity, security and respect for human dignity. This demonstrates that social justice and fair globalization is of prime importance.

It is therefore more crucial than ever to get involved, take part in the advocacy and campaign for the rights of all citizens to equality, security, and decent jobs. The World Day for Decent Work is one such unparalleled opportunity to take a stand together. On this occasion and in the daily struggles, we evermore support all working people for their great strides in achieving decent work.