OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR
HUMAN RIGHTS
1995/20. Violence against women migrant workers
The Commission on Human Rights,
Recalling that the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms faith in fundamental human rights, in the
dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women,
Reaffirming the principles set forth in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women, adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 34/180 of 18 December 1979,
Stressing that the promotion of the human rights of women constitutes an integral part of the human
rights activities of the United Nations, as reaffirmed in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
(A/CONF.157/23) adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights,
Welcoming the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development,
held in Cairo from 5 to 13 September 1994, which called upon all countries to take full measures to eliminate all
forms of exploitation, abuse, harassment and violence against women,
Noting the large numbers of women from developing countries and from some economies in transition
who continue to venture forth to more affluent countries in search of a living for themselves and their families,
as a consequence of poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic situations in their home countries, while
acknowledging the primary duty of States to work for conditions that provide employment for their citizens,
Recognizing that it is for the sending countries to protect and promote the interests of their citizens who
seek or receive employment in other countries, to provide them with appropriate training/education and to
apprise them of their rights and obligations in the countries of employment,
Aware of the obligation of receiving or host countries to ensure the human rights and fundamental
freedoms of all persons within their boundaries, including migrant workers, and in particular women migrant
workers, who are doubly vulnerable because of their gender and their being foreigners,
Noting with concern the continuing reports of grave abuses and acts of violence committed against the
persons of women migrant workers by some of their employers in some host countries,
Stressing that acts of violence directed against women impair or nullify the enjoyment by women of
their human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Convinced of the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and the need to protect
them from gender-based violence,
1.
Expresses grave concern at the plight of women migrant workers who become victims of
physical, mental and sexual harassment and abuse;
2.
Recognizes with appreciation the efforts exerted by some receiving countries to alleviate the
negative situation of women migrant workers;
3.
Recalls, in this context, General Assembly resolution 48/104 of 20 December 1993, in which
the Assembly proclaimed the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women;
4.
Welcomes measures to strengthen the human rights of women and the establishment of closer
ties between the organs dealing with women's issues and rights in the United Nations, through a special
programme of activities, as envisioned in the proposed revision to the medium-term plan for the period 19921997;
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