This charter was adopted during a conference on 30-31 October 1999 in London. This conference was attended by migrant domestic workers from several countries in Europe, and from migrant communities from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Domestic work in private household is important to European family life, to European economies and to the European support system. It is demanding work, which requires a variety of skills and is often done by women, who have migrated to Europe. Many have left their families and children in an attempt to find a way out of poverty.

Migrant domestic workers are part of the fabric of European society. Their dignity and their rights as people and workers must be protected.

We call for justice and equity for all migrant domestic workers; whether they are documented or undocumented; whether they are live–in or live-out; whether first or second generation; whether they are born in Africa, Asia, South America or Europe. Member states of the European Union must recognize the intrinsic dignity and crucial importance of domestic work and seek to educate the citizens accordingly. Relevant organizations in the EU have a duty to ensure that migrant domestic workers have the information and means to access the following rights:

• The right to an immigration status, that recognises that domestic work in private households is proper, works.
• The right to an immigration status for the worker independent of any employer.
• The right to travel, both within the European Union and between the European Union and the country of origin.
• The right to full and non-discriminatory employment rights including minimum wage, sickness and maternity pay, and pension rights.
• The right to change employer.
• The right to a legally enforceable contract of employment setting out minimum wages, maximum hours and responsibilities.
• The right to work free from fear of physical, sexual or psychological abuse
• The right to join a trade union.
• The right to recognition of qualifications, training and experience obtained in the home country.
• The right to personal and leisure time.