FILIPINA LIVE-IN CAREGIVERS STILL WAITING FOR RIGHTS PROTECTION AFTER THREE YEARS

Montreal, June 11, 2012 --- Three years after filing a complaint with the Quebec human rights commission, PINAY, a local Filipino women's rights organization and a group of Filipina live-in caregivers in Montreal are still waiting for the agency's decision, due to numerous problems in the handling of the women's complaint.

Since October 2010, the Commission indicated that it would close the file due to the death of the respondent. Additional evidence and questions regarding investigation procedural issues submitted by CRARR led to further examination of the file. In Winter 2012, the Commission once again indicated its intention to close the case.

Legal action is being considered to protect these women from discrimination, harassment and exploitation on the part of an immigration recruiter and his associates, as well as their right to an effective protection. Representations to policymakers in Quebec and other jurisdictions are also being prepared to highlight institutional patterns of failure to protect and defend these women.

Two other complaints were also filed by CRARR in Spring 2011 on behalf of two live-in caregivers, but there has been no investigative activity brought to the victims' attention for more than 10 months.